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How Golders Green got the X Factor... and Stacey Solomon

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A music teacher at King Solomon High School has spoken of the “big impression” made on her by X Factor finalist, Stacey Solomon, who this week moved into Golders Green.

Rachel Dickson, who taught Stacey during her music GCSE three years ago, said she was delighted to see Stacey sing one of her exam performance pieces — Somewhere Over the Rainbow — in last week’s programme.

“My first impression of Stacey Solomon was of a chatty, lively girl with a powerful voice and a huge personality,” she said.

“She definitely made the music classes interesting. As soon as she began to sing it was clear to me that she had a natural talent that I was keen to see her develop — it’s fair to say she made a big impression on me.

“Over the course of her GCSEs, she worked extremely hard to hone her voice, knowing that singing was something she loved to do.

“She has grown so much in confidence and it is wonderful to see King Solomon so well represented.”

Stacey, from Dagenham, and the 17 other finalists, have moved into a £6 million house in West Heath Avenue, rented by the programme while they rehearse for the weekly live shows.

The 20-year-old single mother, among the favourites to win, has been spotted strolling through Golders Green with some other contestants.

Local residents have taken warmly to their arrival, along with hordes of fans and paparazzi.

Jewish neighbour Hermoine Berton, 80, said: “I haven’t been watching it but this week there have been loads of people outside the house.

“It’s a new house that has never been lived in. It’s quite magnificent with five different sections. I might start watching the show now.”

Contestant Jamie Archer stopped for pictures with some Hasmonean pupils on Monday. Eli Stone, 14, said: “He was super-nice and very friendly.”

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