"Fame Academy has done OK, like other reality TV shows - they pick up viewers as they go along. I remember the first Big Brother - I only heard about it halfway through the first series.

"But I would never slate the other shows - I know how hard it is going to the auditions, we've all been there."

David Sneddon

David is 24, from Glasgow, who has been a local TV presenter as well as a pub band musician. He entered the Academy when student Naomi Roberts dropped out with voice problems.

David: Musical influences include Van Morrison and The Beatles

"The first thing that's going to change if I win is that is I'll be living in London. I've never lived out of Glasgow before. We're all good mates from the Academy so we'll all be living there.

"We haven't got a clue what happens next. The first thing I am going to do is relax over Christmas - even if I win. I know that the hard work begins in January.

"The best is being able to perform your own songs. That's what I am - I'm a singer-songwriter, that's why I came to the Academy really, and to get the opportunity to do one of your own songs on national TV is one of the highlights of my life.

"The worst point is just being cut off from the outside world. Getting a three-minute phone call every week to speak to friends and family, it's not enough, and it makes you feel a little bit homesick.

"I've learned a lot of technique about my voice. I thought singing was just singing, I've never had lessons before but some of the things I've learned about my voice, and I know that when I leave here I'll be using those techniques for the rest of my life.

"I've enjoyed the whole experience - I know that people are going to ask what was the best thing about it, but you just can't explain it. Every day there has been something to laugh about.

"How much credibility can you get from a reality TV show? But we, at least the last few of us, have shown we're not the next churned out pop act. The songwriting makes it stand out from the other shows."

Lemar Obika

Lemar, 24, from north London, works in a high street bank but has sung professionally for five years as well.

"The best thing was doing a duet with Lionel Richie, that was an experience I will not forget, the guy is just great.

Lemar: Musical tastes are soul, R&B, pop and garage

"The worst point has been the fact that on Fridays you see your family and you can't speak to them, and that's just been the low point. You come down off the buzz of doing the show, you want to talk to people but you can't.

"And saying goodbye to other students, especially when it got down to so few of us. You really noticed it when someone went.

"I wouldn't say I'm a very private guy but I do like my privacy, so that's something I'll just have to get used to after the show.

"But I'm not sure if I'm famous or not because we don't have any contact with the outside world, so I just feel like the same guy who works at the bank.

"I've been given the opportunity to learn a few things about music. So far everyone's been nice, then when we went on the tour people have been showing appreciation, so if it continues in that way it'll be fine.

"I've learned a lot about vocal technique. My whole approach to singing a song now is different, I now feel like I'm trying to bring myself into each song. I've come on quite a bit in that area."