A Darlington-born singer has made it to the semi-final of ITV's The Voice competition after wowing mentor Will.I.Am in the series' latest episode.

Katie Coleman, 28, made it through to one of the last stages of the competition after battling it out against nine fellow members of Team Will that had been chosen in the blind audition stage.

In the episode, which aired last night (Saturday, December 16), Katie was put up against two fellow singers to fight for her place - London-based artists Matt Green and beat boxing act Petebox.

The Northern Echo: Katie Coleman.Katie Coleman. (Image: ITV)

The trio were tasked to perform the track She Blinded Me With Science by Thomas Dolby in front of Will and the guest for the session, Paloma Faith.

Ahead of the performance Will.I.Am confessed that "(Katie's) voice pushed a button" rather than himself when she belted out her version of Aretha Franlkin's (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.

He added: "I was the only person who turned because she kept on fighting. The other coaches missed out."

Following a powerhouse performance of Dolby's track, Katie said: "I hope my big gob has got me to the semi-final!" Katie laughed.

The Northern Echo: Katie Coleman.Katie Coleman. (Image: ITV)

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Then after Will.I.Am delivered the good news, Katie expressed her surprise at her place in the semi-finals being sealed.

"I'm in shock, to be honest, I'm still in shock," she said.

"All these years of working hard, gigging and grinding has just paid off for a moment like this.

"It makes it all worthwhile."

Katie has now joined fellow Darlington duo Jen and Liv and Petebox in the semi-finals of the competition which will air on Saturday, December 23.