X Factor fave joins Neighbours cast

Former X Factor contestant Jai Waetford is joining the cast of Neighbours.

Waetford, 17, finished third on The X Factor 2013, beaten out by Dami Im and Taylor Henderson. But he follows in the footsteps of many singers who have found further success on the TEN soap including Delta Goodrem and Dean Geyer.

Waetford will have a recurring guest role as the rebellious son of one of the show’s most controversial personalities. But his character’s family tree and name will be revealed closer to Jai’s on screen debut in the coming months.

“I am super excited to be joining the Neighbours team. It’s my first television role and I’m looking forward to spending time on set, learning new things and meeting new people,” he said.

TEN Drama Executive, Claire Tonkin, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Jai Waetford to the illustrious list of talented young musicians who have called Ramsay Street home. Jai’s character certainly promises to shake up the street as he puts some of Neighbours’ most iconic characters to the test.”

Executive Producer, Jason Herbison, said: “We’re delighted to have Jai on board and I think he is going to have a lot of fun with the character. He really does push the boundaries and what teenager doesn’t love doing that.”

He will debut on screen in May.