ANGELLICA DELIGHT

09 March 2007

Like a pressure-cooker on high, the stress has been building in the Academy. First Tara was in tears, and now Angellica is the latest celebrity to start buckling.

Last night's show over, the performers gathered with the coaches on the sofas for a post-match analysis. It was performance playback time and one-by-one the students and teachers picked apart tonight's show. This was their chance to see if they'd been hitting the high notes, or dropping bum ones.

The cushions were put through their paces too as they were chewed, hugged and cowered behind. Who'd have thought the celebs would cringe so much? But the most uncomfortable in the room was Angellica, who broke down after hearing her off-key notes.

But, nice sorts that they are, her fellow students rallied round to build her back up.

"It's not you as a person that gets the votes," said choreographer Kevin. "It's the performance on the night." But the presenter remained tearful. Nudged between Tricia and Zoe, who both moistened tissues of their own, Angellica couldn't be consoled.

"I don't know why I'm upset," she sniffed. "I've never won anything, I've never been good at anything. I am quite chuffed with myself and I've found something in my life to go for. I know it sounds shallow but if people vote you in it feels good."

"The performance was great," advised Kevin. "Crying? I'd be running up and down naked."

Tricia provided a supportive big sisterly hug. But it was Shaun's words that hit home.

"When they showed my VT back I wish with all my heart I could present a song like you did," he told Angellica.

"You need to flick the switch and be positive," continued Carrie. "Being out of your comfort zone takes it out of you."

Too right. And somehow we think the Academy is only going to get trickier...