X FACTOR hopeful Stevi Ritchie has said he was ready to say goodbye to his flirtation with fame – only to be offered a second chance.

Former call centre worker Stevi, 34, was dumped out of the show a week ago, but was recalled as a “wildcard” entry on Saturday.

He sang Ricky Martin’s Livin’ la Vida Loca and got enough votes from the public to secure a place in next week’s show.

Stevi’s daughter Summer was in the audience for Saturday’s show to watch him perform.

He said: “It was so nice. I think she enjoyed it. She was putting her arms in the air.”

Stevi, who attended Stanway School, said: “I was ready to say goodbye to the X Factor. I was all set to go back to reality. I thought I had done so well to get to the judges’ houses.”

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini picked Stevi as her wildcard for the over-25s category. He said: “When she told me, I just thought I was in a dream.

I was shaking like a blooming leaf.

“She had to tell me about ten times.”

Stevi has moved into the X Factor house with the other contestants.

He said: “I’m just in a whirlwind. It has been absolutely amazing and everyone is so nice.”

Since appearing in the show, Stevi has been inundated with messages of support from people in Colchester and across the country.

He said: “Everyone has been so supportive. I can’t get my head around it.

“I want to thank everyone in Colchester and Essex. I love them all.”

Stevi admits he has not get the best voice, but said he hopes to bring “a bit of the fun factor” to the show.