BRADLEY Johnson says he is disappointed but determined after his whirlwind X Factor experience came to an end on Sunday night.

The 16-year-old is part of boy band Nu Vibe who were axed by judges after sliding into the bottom two following the public vote.

Their performance of U2’s With or Without You during Saturday’s show was well received by the crowd but sparked mixed comments from the judges, who chose to save solo artist Frankie Cocozza after the sing-off on Sunday night.

Speaking to the Star after returning to his Rainford home on Monday night, Bradley said: “It’s obviously very disappointing that we didn’t get through to the next round and it’s really sad to be leaving the show.

“I thought our final performance (of Cheryl Cole’s Promise This) in Sunday’s sing off was our best yet.

“I don’t really think we deserved to go but there are so many great boy bands out there at the minute, (including those in the competition) so we knew it was going to be tough.

“This is definitely not the end for Nu Vibe though, we’ve just got to move on and I believe we can make a career now.”

Reflecting on his time on X Factor, Bradley, who spoke on the show about how he was turning his life around after a troubled spell which saw him expelled from three schools, added: “It’s all very surreal you just feel like you’re in a bubble.

“It has been a life-changing experience and the highlight had to be going out on that stage for the first time and performing in front of all those people.

“I started singing only 12 months ago and was in a bad place before then. Since then I’ve had so much support, particularly from my vocal coach and my girlfriend and I don’t think I would have been able to get this far without them.

“I would also like to say a big thank you to everyone in St Helens who really got behind me throughout the competition.”

After various shoots and TV appearances the Nu Vibe lads now plan to take a break, before they get back together to perform around the country.

And Bradley took the opportunity on Tuesday to drop back into Haydock Sports College, where he sat his GCSEs in the summer, to chat to pupils and staff.