Aleks Josh is through to the final 20 of BBC One singing contest The Voice UK

HERTFORDSHIRE lifeguard Aleks Josh made it through to the final 20 of BBC One singing talent contest The Voice UK last Sunday.

Aleks Josh was up against Emmy J Mac in the Battle Rounds of The Voice UK

The 17-year-old from Stevenage was up against Emmy J Mac in last Sunday’s battle round, with both singing James Morrison hit Broken Strings.

Although clearly intimidated and less experienced than his rival, Aleks won a place through to the next round after mentor Danny O’Donoghue, from Irish band The Script, chose to take him through.

His decision, he said, was based on the fact he could coach Aleks and fulfil his role on the show.

Aleks, who worked at Stevenage Leisure as a lifeguard, was last week trending worldwide on Twitter.

He tweeted to fans: “Thank you to everyone tweeting me, I love you all.”

The first live round of the contest took place tonight (Saturday) with the five acts in Sir Tom Jones’ and Will.i.am’s teams taking centre stage.

There will be group performances from Jessie J and O’Donoghue’s contestants in tomorrow’s (Sunday’s) results show, which starts at 7.25pm on BBC1.