A RADCLIFFE Boro footballer is hoping for his big break in showbusiness after taking part in The X Factor televisionshow.

Seventeen-year-old Max George, who plays in the youth team, was one of the final 30 contestants from an initial 45,000 wannabes in the group for under 25-year-olds.

He passed three auditions for the ITV talent competition, and then went to London to take part in a "boot camp" where hundreds of competitors were whittled down to 21 finalists.

Viewers on Saturday night saw Max sing for judge Louis Walsh, but he failed to make the final stages.

His dad Mark (45) said: "Max went to the first audition for a bit of fun really, but he was really pleased to get as far as he did. He sat and passed his GCSE history exam at Bolton School just after the second audition, and then had to rush back to Manchester for the third audition - all on the same day!

"He originally thought he could sing any song he wanted to at the boot camp. He found out two days before that he had to sing one of five songs though. He wasn't comfortable with any of the songs, and didn't really take the time to practise. It was a real learning curve for him, and he realised straight away what he had done wrong."

But that is not the end of Max's aspiration to be a star - he's still busy playing football, modelling, singing, acting and studying sport science at Eccles College. Since his success in The X Factor, he has filmed a television advert for JJB Sports and narrowly missed out on a part in Cate Blanchett's next film, Notes On A Scandal.

Max said: "I didn't think I would get past the first audition of X Factor, and to do as well as I did has really given me the confidence to carry on singing. If I'd done more practice, I might have been able to get even further. This really could be the start of something big for me."

He is also planning to audition for a place in a boy band and roles in other Hollywood films, and will soon be recording his first demo CD.

Dad Mark said: "I'm really proud of what Max is doing, and he really does have the world at his feet. He's throwing his efforts into every area at the moment, and hoping that something works out for him.

"If he's still looking for a break when the next X Factor auditions are held, then he'll definitely have another go. The judges were all really pleased with him, and Simon said Max reminded him of Robbie Williams. He'll be one year older next time and will have improved, so hopefully he'll go even further in the competition."