Live knockout rounds are the next stop for Teesside rocker Craig Carter after a standout performance on The Voice UK saw him grab a place in the next stage of the popular TV talent show.

Going head-to-head with fellow #TeamGavin contestant Tanya Lacey, the Billingham student wowed celebrity coach, Gavin Rossdale once again with his rendition of Stevie Wonder’s Superstition.

“There are no words to describe how it felt to get through,” said the former labourer. “To get recognition from an audience of that calibre, it is just unbelievable.”

The show’s battle rounds are one of the most challenging elements of the show, for both coaches and contestants.

Each coach is faced with the difficult task of slashing their own team down from 10 to five, plus one steal, while the contestants face a sing-off with a teammate.

Singing to keep his place in the show Carter, who is currently studying Peforming 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.”

But for 29-year-old Carter and competitor Tanya it proved the best possible outcome. After losing her place the 31-year-old R&B artist went on to be “stolen” by coach will.i.am.

Delighted to see them both through to the next round, Carter said: “I got picked and Tanya was stolen so it couldn’t have worked out better for both of us.”

The remaining contestants will now proceed to the show’s live knockout rounds where each of the four teams will be cut from six (five team members plus one stolen act) to three.

“I just want to get as much from this experience as I can,” said Carter.

“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.”