Croydon's man of the moment Ben Haenow is one step closer to X Factor glory after reaching the judges' houses stage of this year's competition.
The 29-year-old van driver blew the panel away with his powerful rendition of the Eagles' classic Hotel California at the weekend.
And judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Mel B were impressed enough to send him through to battle it out with five other over 25s next week.
Ben, tipped by many to be a dark horse of this year's competition, will now look to wow Simon one more time for a place in the coveted live shows, with the media mogul given the over 25s category.
With three over 25 spots up for grabs, Ben will battle it out with Helen Fulthorpe, Fleur East, Jay James, Stevi Ritchie and Lizzy Pattinson for a place in the knockout stages.
