Saundersfoot's singing sensation Jay James Picton has been voted off X Factor.

Following Saturday's big band performance of New York New York, Jay found himself in the bottom two for the second week running.

The 31-year-old former Royal Navy fitness instructor went head-to-head with controversial wildcard and fellow 'overs' contestant Stevi Ritchie in the sing-off, which saw the judging panel take the decision to deadlock following a 50/50 split on who should go.

When the public vote was unveiled, Jay received the fewest votes and was sent home, making him the first of Simon Cowell's acts in the 'over 25s' category to be knocked out.

Speaking to Jay on Monday, he told the Observer: "Thank you to everyone who has voted for me; I've had an amazing experience, made incredible by overwhelming love and support. It really has been heart-warming. I have had a really great experience and the future is really exciting. I am really grateful and feel blessed for the opportunity X Factor gave me.

"I am obviously gutted, but it was the right time. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I was given the chance to twist songs to make them my own, but certain songs like New York, New York, you just can't do that. It was my mum's favourite song and dressed in my grandad's suit, there was no better way to go out. I know all my family are proud and I am pleased I have put Saundersfoot on the map."

After a couple of days rest with wife Victoria and daughter Nova, Jay was looking forward to getting back in to the music studio, writing songs and playing gigs and, of course, planning his appearance on the X Factor tour next year.