X Factor's Leon wows pupils at old school

X FACTOR grand finalist Leon Jackson received a hero's welcome when he went back to his old school.

Hundreds of past and present pupils gathered at the gates of Whitburn Academy to catch a glimpse of their most famous schoolmate yesterday.
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The 18-year-old hugged his ex-teachers and fans as he made his way into the school.

Inside, he performed a version of Michael Buble's I Wanna Go Home for the expectant crowd.

As Leon took to the stage, he said: "It's great to be back here, especially as I never sang on this stage because I was too shy."

Wendy Gilchrist, who taught Leon English for three years, said: "We didn't even know he could sing.

"He was a lively pupil - a little bit cheeky - but he never pushed the limits."

His former teacher added: "We hope he will inspire pupils to believe in themselves, especially those who will barely even hold their hand up in class.

"We hope he shows them that if you have a little bit of talent you should just go for it."

Leon is down to the final three in this year's competition and said he was glad of the morale boost before Saturday night's showdown.

source; http://news.scotsman.com/entertainment.cfm?id=1931252007