Excitement for Billingham singer as he makes live rounds of The Voice UK

Craig Carter, from Billingham, has made it into the live stage of The Voice UK.

The 29-year-old labourer wowed celebrity coach Gavin Rossdale with his rendition of Stevie Wonder's Superstition to qualify ahead of fellow contestant Tanya Lacey.

Craig said: "There are no words to describe how it felt to get through.

“To get recognition from an audience of that calibre is just unbelievable.”

The show's battle rounds are considered among the most challenging elements of The Voice.

Each coach has to slash their own team of competitors from 10 to five, plus one steal, while the contestants face a sing-off with a team-mate.

Craig, who studies Performing Arts at Stockton Riverside College in partnership with Teesside University, said: “I never looked at it as a battle.

"I always try to put on my best performance and this was the same.”

Tanya did not miss out on a place in the live shows, either.

She was selected by coach will.i.am as a steal, meaning the R&B artist is now one of his team.

The remaining contestants, split into four teams, now progress to the knockout rounds.

Craig added: "I got picked and Tanya was stolen so it couldn’t have worked out better for both of us.

“I just want to get as much from this experience as I can.

“I am so grateful for every bit of help and support that I have had so far.

"The messages of support I have received have been incredible.”