X Factor Eoghan Back In School

GCSE studies rather than dance steps and lyrics are now filling the days for Co Londonderry teenager Eoghan Quigg as he returned to his old school desk this week after finding fame as an X Factor finalist.

The 16-year-old singing sensation re-joined classmates on Monday as he resumed studies for his GCSEs at St Patrick's College, Dungiven.

Having wooed the X Factor judges - including his mentor Simon Cowell - and millions watching on television, Eoghan is adjusting to the small matter of impressing his teachers at his high school.

Although Eoghan was studying between rehearsals before Christmas in London, he admitted the textbooks had to be set aside as the competition intensified and yesterday, a spokesperson at St Patrick's told said the teenager was "settling in well" and was hoping for some "normality" after a frenetic few months in the public glare.

Eoghan is expected to continue his normal weekly routine in the classroom until the start of the X Factor tour.

It's a big change as, just last month, thousands lined the streets of Dungiven to welcome the youngster home as he was paraded through the town on an open-top bus, after his exploits on the prime-time television programme.

Having finished third behind eventual winner Alexandra Burke, Eoghan was still a 'winner' having performed a duet with Irish band Boyzone with whom now guest star on their UK and Ireland tour kicking off in Belfast in May.

Before that, and likely to hinder any further academic plans, the Dungiven lad will join up with his fellow X Factor finalists as they commence a tour of the UK at the end of next month.

Kicking off in Aberdeen, Eoghan will no doubt receive a rapturous reception when he performs to an already sold-out Odyssey Arena in Belfast on March 18.

(BMcC)