Accrington pop star Reece Bibby and his bandmates are delighted to be peaking at just the right time as the X Factor is down to the final five acts.

Reece's boyband Stereo Kicks received a standing ovation from all four judges for their impressive performance of Elton John’s Don’t Let The Sun Go Down during Saturday night’s show, which saw two acts - Stevi Ritchie and Only the Young both eliminated.

Stereo Kicks also impressed Simon Cowell, who praised the lads for their ‘best performance’ of the entire competition.

He said: “The song was perfect, the performance was confident, it was believable - your best performance by a mile.”

Band mentor Louis Walsh said the boys now have a chance of winning the competition.

He said: “There’s something magical about the eight of you guys when you sing, there’s just something different.”

Speaking after the performance, 16-year-old Reece said: “I think we’re just getting better as time goes on and we just don’t want it to end. We just want to keep on progressing.”

Reece took to Twitter to post a picture of himself celebrating with his mum Lyndsey and dad Jamie after the show.

He said: “QUARTER FINALS!!! Unbelievable! Celebration with my amazing family now.”

Reece’s dad Jamie said the whole family are overwhelmed that Reece had got this far in the competition.

And former Peel Park Primary School pupil Reece was even joined by his little sister Lexie, 8, who travelled down to London to support her brother.

Jamie said: “For Lexi to have her brother in this huge band is very strange for her. But she’s really excited.

“It was fantastic, their best performance yet. I believe they really have a good chance of making the final now.

“I think they are the most progressed act of anybody and they’ve shown week on week that they can do something different.

“You don’t get this far without working very hard. I think they’ve got a chance of winning and making it as a band.

“The support we’ve had for Reece in Accrington and all over has been totally overwhelming. It’s been amazing.”

Contestants Stevi Ritchie and Only The Young were both sent home this weekend during a shock double elimination in the Elton John vs Whitney Houston week.

But Stereo Kicks now face tough competition from Fleur East, who is currently the bookies’ favourite to win the talent contest.