BOLTON wannabe Pop Idol Rebecca Goven is backing William Young to take the title in tonight's television showdown.

But she believes Gareth will be the winner thanks to "the sympathy vote".

Rebecca, who made it to the final 50 candidates of ITV's programme to find a pop star, said William is "the most genuine person you will ever meet".

The 23-year-old singer, who works in human resources at Multi-skilled Contract Services in Westhoughton, has kept in touch with William since meeting him on the show.

"He is a proper gentleman," said Rebecca. "He's very friendly and bubbly.

"Gareth is really good, but I think William has the better voice."

So why does she think Gareth will win?

"Do you want me to be totally honest?" she said. "It's because he has the biggest sympathy vote, it's frightening."

Rebecca met William because they were on the show in the same week.

She ended up in fifth position and said she "really enjoyed" taking part in the programme.

"I met some really nice people and keep in contact with quite a few."