With the auditions featuring endless numbers of scantily clad, bright, young things bouncing on to the stage it was refreshing to see the dapperly dressed figure of William Hooper stroll into the spotlight.

Wearing a blue velvet jacket, bow tie and flat cap the 82-year-old won over the judges with a bit of old-school charm and a smooth rendition of Frank Sinatra’s Come Fly With Me.

We caught up with the charismatic crooner moments before his performance and discovered why he finally feels ready to entertain the nation.

“I really enjoy entertaining… I haven’t done it professionally, but I enjoy singing! And at my age … it’s my last chance.” Giggled William, showing no signs of the usual pre-audition nerves.

“And to say how I feel about the audience… I love it! Because I’ve got something to work to and there’s an atmosphere there.”

Until now the only audience that William had performed in front of were his fellow residents of his retirement community and it’s thanks to them that he finally decided to pursue his dream of singing.
 
“The manager said she was going to put on a tea party and she’d like to have a bit of entertainment and would I mind singing… so I put a few numbers together and they seemed to like it! She came up to me and said I should go in for The X Factor… That’s why I’m here!”

Performing in front of a few dozen people may well be a world away from facing the bright lights and the expectant mugs of the auditions, but after William’s calm and collected foray on the show it’s clear he’s a bit of a natural entertainer.

“My wife and I used to run a dancing school in North London. We used to teach tap, ballet, gymnastics… you name it!” explained William.

Not a bad background for an aspiring popstar and with that calibre of C.V. we’re sure William’s set to show the other contestants some pensioner pizzazz at bootcamp!

Watch William's audition here.