A PERFORMING arts student at St Helens College is to compete for a place in live X Factor finals after getting through to the Judges' Houses stage of the ITV talent show with her group Sweet Sense.

Billie Thompson is still bursting with excitement as her journey on the mega-hit talent show continues.

Billie auditioned for the show with her twin sister, Charlie, back in July, where the two made the trip down south, to attend their audition at the Wembley Arena in London.

They faced the daunting task of performing in front of the star-studded panel of Judges, including, Simon Cowell, Louis Tomlinson, Ayda Field, and Robbie Williams.

Billie and her sister, were up against serious contenders but - shaking off their nerves - they put on an outstanding performance that wowed the arena.

The judges, however, felt their talents would be the perfect fit for a girl group, and so their group “Sweet Sense” was born, seeing them combined with three other solo singers who had auditioned.

The girls were thrown into the challenge of having to learn a brand new song in just two days with their new group, something which St Helems College student Billie felt prepared for.

Billie, who lives in Crosby, has to learn and turn around songs during one day in her course, and has received help with controlling and utilising nerves, which helps her get ready for her performances.

After making the cut to the next round, the girls smashed their way through the boot camp round, which meant they were to face the dreaded “Six Chair Challenge”, which hit TV screens last Saturday.

The group put on another crowd-pleasing performance, fighting nail and tooth, for Judge Robbie’s last chair, which was already taken by another group of contestants.

It was a nervous moment for Billie and her group, with their future hanging by a thread but Robbie gave them the news that they would be taking the final chair and soon the reality kicked in that they would be travelling to Los Angeles to Judges' Houses, to fight for their place on the X Factor live shows.

Growing up around a large musical family, Billie has always had a love for performing, whether that be singing, dancing or acting, which was the reason she chose to study on the Performing Arts course at St Helens College.

Billie makes the dedicated two-hour journey every day to St Helens, to do the course which she had her heart set on.

She said: “I get two buses every day to college, it may seem a lot to others but to me it’s worth every minute.

"Making sure I receive the necessary support and guidance I need for my personal growth and learning was everything to me, and I felt St Helens College was the perfect place for this!”

She added: “St Helens College has given me so many opportunities. I can’t fault the teaching staff; they have outstanding tutors who not only teach but watch and observe people, they form bonds with their students. Our course is a family, no one is singled out, you’re comfortable and encouraged to be your full self, and that is what I love.”

Performing Arts tutor, Andrew Dickson added: “The Performing Arts Department and St Helens College have been supporting Billie throughout her journey.

"We wish her every success, and couldn’t be more proud of her achievements. Billie has undeniable star quality, alongside going through this process, she has still been attending her course and remains focussed on her studies. She is a diligent student. This is only the beginning of her journey to success.”

Billie’s performance at Robbie’s LA home, featuring guest judge David Walliams will air on ITV this weekend.