A MUSICAL duo from County Durham got a superstar surprise when they spotted someone with The X Factor in the crowd at a recent gig.

Rebecca Hosey and Peter Lawson, who perform as Little Bigs Acoustic Duo, were taking a break between sets at Signals café bar, in Saltburn, when singer-songwriter James Arthur walked in with a group of friends.

Fan Rebecca was thrilled just to say "hi" to one of her favourite performers and could hardly believe it when the Teessider stayed to watch their next set and was full of praise for the duo afterwards.

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The 21-year-old, who lives near Durham, said: "I really was beside myself just seeing him walk in then for him to come over and compliment us was incredible, he said we were really entertaining and he enjoyed the set.

"It was a massive, massive thing for me.

"I've been listening to him since I was a teenager, he's one of my biggest role models as a musician, performer, songwriter so to have a guy like that listen to us and like it – well I just lost it a bit."

 

Rebecca with one of her favourite singers James Arthur, who was impressed by Little Bigs Acoustic Duo at a recent gig

Rebecca with one of her favourite singers James Arthur, who was impressed by Little Bigs Acoustic Duo at a recent gig

The Northern Echo:

Peter and Rebecca met when they began studying music at New College Durham and, realising they had chemistry on stage, formed the duo this summer.

Peter, 23, from Ferryhill, said: “We went through the show without a hitch.

"It was really humbling to have someone that big, and local, hear and like us."

Little Bigs Acoustic Duo, aka Peter Lawson and Rebecca Hosey

The Northern Echo:

Little Bigs Acoustic Duo, aka Peter Lawson and Rebecca Hosey

Music tutor Phil Richardson, from New College Durham, said: “We are so proud of what Rebecca and Peter have achieved, both with the band and with their studies.

“The pair first came to NCD to study a level 3 course and have progressed through foundation degree level and are now on the top up degree programme.

“Live shows are a big part of our music courses, and we provide many opportunities for our students to gain experience of performing live.

“Rebecca and Peter recently impressed the audience when they played at the Lumiere launch night which the college hosted. It is great to see them performing all over the North East.

“I am delighted Rebecca had the chance to meet one of her idols.

“Hopefully this will inspire her to take her own music career to the top.”

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