Pop Idol finalist Rik waller has tipped his friend Che Chesterman to win this year’s X Factor.

X Factor contestant Che used to live in the same street as Rik, who first heard him sing at a karaoke party at Che’s house.

“He’s quite a big guy, not quite as big as myself, but he sings a lot of Stevie Wonder and a lot of soul music,” Rik said.

“The guy is incredible. He’ll make a fair impact on the show if he gets through. I think they’d be stupid not to put him through, but you never know what they’re looking for.”