Accrington starlet Reece Bibby has vowed that the X Factor was ‘just the beginning’ after his band Stereo Kicks were voted off the show in a tense quarter final deadlock.
The eight-piece boyband were once again in the bottom two and a sing off against 16-year-old solo act Lauren Platt earned the band praise from the X Factor judges - but did not save them from the public vote.
After the result on Sunday night Reece took to Twitter to thank fans for their support.
He said: “Truly brokenhearted, this isn’t the end. Thank you to everyone that voted. I’m so proud of the lads, we’ve come so far since bootcamp, this is just the beginning.
“Looking forward to the gigs we have coming up.”
Dad Jamie Bibby praised Reece, who is a former Hollins Technology College pupil, on his ‘brilliant achievement’.
He said: “It’s been a great experience, and it is a brilliant achievement for Reece, it is all positive.
“Initially he was a bit disappointed of course, he had a few hours of being upset but that just shows how much he cares. It is hard because people don’t understand how intense it all is.
“Reece is mature, though, and he has taken it all in his stride.”
Jamie said that as a result of the show his son’s life would never be quite the same again.
He said: “The show has transformed his life for ever. They are staying in a group and I think they have got a lot more chance of making it together.
“Reece has got a few gigs coming up, but he is enjoying a few days off at the moment.
“It’s a case of getting out there and working now, working in the music industry is all Reece has ever wanted.”
Reece, 15, who lives on Marlborough Road in Accrington with dad Jamie, mum Lyndsey and sister Lexi, first appeared on the X Factor back in August as a solo artist.
After making it through the arena auditions he was selected to be part of Louis Walsh’s ‘New Boy Band’ in October, which would eventually become Stereo Kicks.
Since then Reece and his fellow bandmates have rocketed to fame, with hundreds of thousands of fans following them on Twitter and Facebook and also getting the opportunity to attend exclusive events such as the red carpet premiere of the Hunger Games.
After the band’s exit from the show fans took to social media to register their support.
Rebecca Corbett said: “Don’t give up! One direction didn’t win but look how far they’ve got!”
Stacey Miller added: “Absolutely amazing guys can’t wait to hear more music from you.”
Since their exit from the show Stereo Kicks have been signed by James Grant Music and are understood to be planning gig dates.
