X FACTOR camera crews came to Maldon to film star Sam Callahan.

Sam, 19, from Great Totham, was filmed training with the Maldon Saints Football Club yesterday at Promenade Park.

The footage will be aired on Saturday’s show as Sam battles to make it into the last eight of the ITV talent show.

Mum Tracey said: “Sam doesn’t get much time to play with Maldon Saints, even before the X Factor, but his brother Toby plays in the men’s team.

“He isn’t very good at football, he’d tell you that himself, but he does absolutely love it.”

Joe Stevens, chairman of the club, said: “Football was never Sam’s direction but we are all supporting him.

“He is a lovely boy and good luck to him.”

Mr Stevens’ son Joseph used to play lead guitar for Sam during his gigs.

West Ham fan Sam Sam, who works at the Oakhouse in Maldon, is a former student at the Sylvia Young Theatre School in London.