Douglas plasterer turned singer Sam Black has thanked everyone who supported him during his time on the X Factor show.

Sam reached the quarter-finals of the ITV competition after his fiancée Emma applied for the show on his behalf.

He is now determined to continue making a name for himself as a performer.

Sam told the Manx Independent: ’I never thought I could make a career out of singing but being on the X Factor has given me the incentive to do it as a career.’

Sam had nothing but praise for the contestants that made it through to this week’s semi-finals.

’I’m really happy I got to the quarter-finals - it’s better than I ever imagined.

’It wouldn’t have been very fair for me to get through, I thought everyone left was better than me.’

He thanked mentor Louis Walsh for his support, saying it was because of him that he made it through to the live shows.

During the shows Sam was praised for both his likability and his singing talent. But his performances and song choices did get some criticism from Simon Cowell.

When asked what he made of Simon, Sam said: ’He’s spot on you know. He gave me a bit of stick but meeting him personally, he was a lovely fella.’

Since leaving the competition at the weekend, Sam has already performed in Sheffield for the Christmas lights switch on and at G.A.Y. in London. This weekend, he will be performing at Pulse in Cardiff.

’I’m going to try and stay as busy as possible and get a manager.’

Thanking his supporters, Sam said: ’I want to say a massive thank you to everyone who voted. I couldn’t have done it without you. I am really grateful for the amount of support I received.’

During his time on the X Factor Sam proposed to his girlfriend Emma in front of the audience and sang with his idol Rod Stewart at the Pride of Britain Awards.

But Sam said he couldn’t pinpoint one particular high point of his X Factor appearance.

’The whole thing has been a highlight. I’ve made the best of friends from the show.’