Branson's backing Alisha

25-10-2007 13:52

One of the X Factor finalists is 25 year old Alisha Bennett. The Hendon beauty is already a strong contender for this year’s crown. Richard Branson, Britain’s biggest entrepreneur has pledged his support for the talented singer.

Branson said “We knew there was talent in our business, but it’s really exciting to know that one of us has the X Factor. We’re behind Alisha all the way and wish her every success in the competition”. As well as speaking out in support of Alisha, all 71 Virgin Active health clubs will be circulating ‘Vote for Alisha’ t-shirts and also playing The X-Factor live showdowns on TV screens.

Alisha worked as a receptionist at her local Virgin Active health club in Hendon before making into the final twelve on X Factor. Alisha was inspired to audition when watching Leona Lewis perform in the X Factor 2006 and pushed to audition by her work colleagues. Alisha is bowled over by Richard’s support and feels confident that she can do everyone proud “I can’t believe that Richard Branson is backing my X Factor dream all the way! It’s amazing that he is supporting me and I can’t believe that I have the chance to go from being a receptionist at his Virgin Active club in Hendon to singing in front of the nation!”

Club manager Seb Barre comments “Alisha was forever singing and talking about her dream to one day be able to record her own songs and sing to a big audience”. “As well as training her voice for X Factor, she has been making sure she’s in shape by working out for the show at Virgin Active. We’ve been listening to her singing behind reception, so we know she’s a winner!” Seb speaks for everyone connected to the club when he says that Alisha deserves to get through to the final. “Alisha has never made her dream to be a recording artist a secret and we are ecstatic that she has made it this far! We will be watching on Saturday and along with some of her colleagues who are going to be in the audience will be cheering for her!”

Virgin Active is backing Alisha all the way and have set up a “voteforalisha” website (running soon) to show their support. Clubs across the country will also be sporting Vote for Alisha t-shirts and also playing The X Factor live showdowns on their TV screens throughout.