By Ann Marie Angebrandt
THE former workmates of Australian Idol hopeful Ricky Muscat are confident he’ll go all the way.
“He’s so comfortable now, there’s absolutely no doubt,” Tasoula Faksakellaridis said.
The staff at Bertone Plumbing in Hoppers Crossing have raised thousands of dollars selling caps, T-shirts and CDs through the Australian Idol website.
Monday is ‘Ricky Day’ when three employees spend up to 10 hours on their mobiles, using the proceeds from the merchandise to vote for the 23-year-old singer.
“Our thumbs are so sore the next day you won’t believe it,” Ms Faksakellaridis said.
Ricky had worked at the family-owned business for about eight weeks before his Idol auditions.
“He’s actually quite shy but we’d turn on the radio and that would get him going,” Ms Faksakellaridis said.
The bookies aren’t quite in agreement with the team. Sportingbet has given Ricky the longest odds of $14 to win, compared to favourite Jessica Mauboy at $2.25. But even if he comes home this week, Ricky has said he won’t be returning to the plumbing business.
“He wants to stick with his music but we’re going to carry his suitcases when he tours,” Ms Faksakellaridis said. The singer calls his mates every day from Sydney.
