MUSSELBURGH'S Jordan Gray is through to the live shows of The Voice UK 2016 after a knock-out performance on Saturday evening.

The 26-year-old transgender singer was chosen by mentor Paloma Faith as one of her three finalists after her performance of Deacon Blue's hit 'Real Gone Kid'.

It was a nervous wait for Jordan as Beth Morris was named the first to go through at the knock-out round, followed by Heather Cameron-Hayes.

Jordan, who originally didn't get through the auditions, made a triumphant return at the battles after another of Paloma's acts, J J Soulx, withdrew for personal reasons.

Jordan told Paloma: “I look forward to making you proud. I love you guys so much. This is the best experience of my life.”

Paloma said: “I'm so happy with Team Paloma, there's something for everybody within my team.”

She added: “Tonight the girls were the strongest and I'm really proud to be a woman tonight.”

The result meant that Dwaine Hayden, Rick Snowdon, Faith Neilson, Deano and Aaron Hill left the show.

Jordan, who is originally from Essex, moved to Musselburgh with her mum Terri Olley last year.

She has been living as a woman for two years and is in the process of transitioning. She began receiving hormone treatment this year.

Jordan has enjoyed a singing career for the last 10 years but performed as a male for the first eight.