FORMER Dorchester schoolboy Nathan Lewis and his band 5 After Midnight shot to fame in the X Factor last year and will be appearing in Dorset as the X Factor tour arrives in Bournemouth on Monday (6). The Guide speaks to the stars of the show.

YOU’VE joined them on their journey from the judges’ room auditions to the arena, been on the edge of your sofa during the dramatic six-chair challenge and watched them compete every week for your vote.

Now is your chance to see your favourite acts live in person as they embark on The X Factor 2017 Live Tour.

Attended by more than three million people so far, this has been one of the most successful annual arena tours in the UK for the last 12 years.

Nathan Lewis, a former Thomas Hardye student who now lives in Brighton, will join his bandmates Keiran and Jordan to perform at the Bournemouth International Centre on Monday, March 6.

Nathan says he's been busy since the show finished in December: "I've been catching up with friends & family, and working on some new music!"

His bandmate Kieran said: “I’ve been getting tour ready. I’ve been going to the gym, working on vocals, dance moves and tricks. And seeing family too.”

Finishing in third place in the competition behind winner Matt Terry and runner-up Saara Alto, 5 After Midnight secured a record deal from Simon Cowell's label Syco.

And there's a lot to look forward to with the X Factor Live tour.

Kieran said: "We're looking forward to just going around the country seeing everyone that has supported through the show and proving why they were right to support us.

Nathan said: "I'm really looking forward to performing live and catching up with all the other contestants.

Jordan said: "I can't wait to see everyone, be with them again and do what I love to do best – sing, dance and perform.

Nathan says that fans can expect to see a real show from 5 After Midnight on the tour.

"We're not giving too much away…but all the venues are arenas so we’ve got a lot of space to work with. We’re gonna do something huge." Jordan added: "We will be giving it our heart and soul – the fans can expect to see a unique group made with passion for what we do. They’ll be dancing, singing and maybe some explosions too!"

And once the tour has finished there will be something really exciting to look forward to Nathan says.

He said: "We're going to focus on our recently announced forthcoming album!"

Kieran said: "We're working on getting into the music industry properly and dropping our first single."

Winner Matt Terry says the experience of winning The X Factor was the best of his life.

He said: "It’s something I have always wanted to do ever since I can remember but I never felt ready for it until now. I’m so glad I was brave enough to go ahead and audition - my entire world has changed!”

“Whilst doing the show I learnt how to feel and mean what I was singing about. Singing is fun and makes you feel incredible but I’ve learnt it’s so much more than that. I’ve have learnt how to tell a story through music.”

Finn Saara Alto won her way into the heart of the nation with her quirky style and powerful voice.

She was given some very valuable advice when she was mentored by Sharon Osbourne, she says.

Saara said: “The best advice I had from her was 'don’t be polite on stage'.

“I was also told from the music team, 'you have to always show everything you have inside of you, don’t be only half of what you are, be what you truly are.'

Saara has been 'super busy' since the show ended, she said.

"I haven’t had a day off! I went to Finland for Christmas and had so many concerts, interviews and meetings there. The whole of Finland watched the X Factor and everybody wanted to see me after the show which was amazing. I’ve now moved to London and I’m in the studio writing songs and also performing all over the country."

She can’t wait to do big shows again and perform in front of thousands of people, Saara said.

“It’s going to be so much fun to sing without the fear of leaving the show. I can just be together with the other contestants and enjoy performing.”

The audience on the X Factor Live tour can expect a variety of big performances but also stripped down ballads, Saara said.

She added: "There will be amazing outfits and good energy."

After the tour ends Saara will concentrate on her own arena concert in Finland in April.

She said: "It’s already sold out with 13,000 people attending! It’s going to be so exciting and needs lots of work and planning! After this I will be back in the studio working on new songs."

Of course the tour would not be complete without 'love her or hate her' X Factor rapper Honey G.

Honey, who divided both fans and judges of the show, said: “I really can’t wait to get up on those stages and perform in front of thousands of people.

"I’m in my element when I’m up there.”

Emily Middlemass, who was mentored by Simon Cowell, impressed in the girls section of the contest.

She said: “I actually do miss Simon. We had this bond that was special- I think it’s because we think so alike. "Simon said I can give him a call any time I like, in my own time.”

Since the show ended Emily has been writing and has been in the studio recording some music.

She said: "I have been rehearsing for the tour lots, its going to be an amazing show.”

She added: “There is going to be lots of surprises on the tour. I can’t give too many clues away but I am super excited for especially one of them!

“I will have more of a chance to connect and talk to the audience more. I love getting to know the crowd and getting them all on their feet to sing along. I love live performances, they give me goosebumps listening to the crowd!”

*The X Factor Live Tour 2017 is at the Bournemouth International Centre on Monday, March 6. Contact the box office for tickets.