With just three days to go to the final of the X Factor, Northern Ireland’s celebrities have come out in support of Dungiven’s Eoghan Quigg.

From footballers to fashion models, pop stars to presenters, a wide range of some of the province’s best-known names have thrown their weight behind the 16-year-old’s bid to win the competition.

Eoghan will take on bookies’ favourite Alexandra Burke and four-piece pop band JLS in Saturday’s night live final and our celebrities will all be glued to their TV screens — along with tens of thousands of viewers across Northern Ireland — hoping to see Eoghan crowned the new X Factor champion.

Sky News and This Morning host EAMONN HOLMES said it was a “fantastic tribute” to the people of Northern Ireland that they had supported Eoghan so fervently every week.

“Phone bills across Northern Ireland must be astronomical this Christmas,” he said. “But it’s brilliant to see him doing so well. No matter what happens on Saturday, win or lose, I think he’ll have a bright future ahead of him.

“Not only has he reached the X Factor final, but he’s also set a trend with that Quiggy hair-do. Although, personally, I think he could do with a cut!”

Radio Ulster and Five Live presenter STEPHEN NOLAN said he made no excuses for being “biased” towards Eoghan Quigg.

“On my Five Live show I’ve been urging listeners to vote for him and some have accused me of being biased,” he said.

“Of course I am, I want Eoghan to win. He has shown such maturity for a 16-year-old and week after week has come out onto that stage looking so composed, even though he knows millions of people are watching him.

“There are no airs and graces about him, he’s just a nice kid and people are buying into that.”

One Show presenter CHRISTINE BLEAKLEY called on everyone who had supported her on Strictly Come Dancing to vote for Eoghan on Saturday night.

Christine, who left Strictly two weeks ago, said she had spoken to Eoghan and told him how proud she was of him.

“I’m backing him all the way and I want all my Strictly supporters to spread their love to Eoghan,” she said. “I am absolutely convinced he will win.”

Northern Ireland goalscoring hero DAVID HEALY said Eoghan’s appeal was far-reaching, from children to grandmothers. And he said his daughter Taylor was a huge fan of the teenager.

“Taylor enjoys all the songs and the comment from the judges, but her favourite contestant is Eoghan,” he said.

“I’m always keen to see Northern Ireland people do well, whether it is in sport or a show like the X Factor. It’s great to see him representing the country so well and I hope he wins on the night.

Celebrity chef PAUL RANKIN knows exactly what it is like to appear on the X Factor. In 2006, along with fellow chefs Jean-Christophe Novelli, Aldo Zilli and Ross Burdan, he took part in the X Factor: Battle of the Stars competition.

“The Rankin household has been rooting for you Eoghan from the start — congratulations on

making the final,” he said. “We’ll all be glued to the TV on Saturday night, so good luck, all of our fingers will be crossed for you. Thank goodness you are better than I ever was.”

Singer-songwriter KIERAN GOSS said he was amazed at Eoghan’s confidence. “He is a fantastically talented young guy and a great singer,” he said.

Big Brother contestant and Belfast model ORLAITH McALLISTER said she had voted for Eoghan every week. “Go on Eoghan,” she said. “You are the cutest, most gorgeous person....a true star in the making. I absolutely 100% know you can win.”

Cool FM presenter PETE SNODDEN described Eoghan as a “great ambassador for our country” and said that he came across as a grounded boy with a “good head on his shoulders”.

“He is himself, not playing up to the crowd and trying to get the sympathy vote, instead just believing in himself and his talent.”

Singer CARA DILLON, herself a native of Dungiven and a past pupil of Eoghan’s school, St Patrick’s, said she was so proud of her fellow townsman.

Speaking from the States where she is touring, she said: “I’ve been following it religiously and I’m so proud of Eoghan for getting this far.”

UTV’s PAMELA BALLANTINE will be joining the joining the assembled Press at a London hotel to watch the final. She said her only concern for Eoghan was his age, but that she believed he could go all the way.

“He’s got the talent, he’s cute, he really does have the X Factor,” she said.

“He’s also the most improved singer on the show and is such a nice kid too.”

I’d Do Anything star RACHEL TUCKER said she knew exactly how Eoghan was feeling. “I am so excited for Eoghan. He has done so well and done us all so proud back home,” she said.

Radio Ulster’s ALAN SIMPSON said Eoghan represented the feel-good factor in Northern Ireland at the moment.

“This place has always been great at supporting our own and hopefully everyone will come out in support on Saturday. He’s doing our wee country proud, as Christine did on Strictly.”