ACTRESS and singer Diana Vickers, who enjoyed her big break on the X Factor, has given her backing to teenage boy band member Reece Bibby, who has reached the final stages of the show.

The 16-year-old will appear on stage alongside his seven band mates this weekend in front of a TV audience of millions following an intense week of rehearsals and filming.

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Blackburn-born Diana, was only 17 when she became a semi-finalist on the show in 2008, later having a number one single and gold-selling album.

Lancashire Telegraph: STAR ATTRACTION: Diana Vickers

Diana said she was happy to back The Lancashire Telegraph’s campaign to support Reece, a St Christopher’s sixth form student.

She said: “He’s a lad from Accrington so of course I’ll be supporting him.

“I’d encourage him to enjoy every moment, stay focused but remember to have fun and not let it all become too intense.

“It will be a crazy, hectic time for him so it’s important to take a step back, smile and savour the experience.

“Most of all and I’m sure he will do this, you need to keep your feet on the ground and stay level- headed.”

Reece will soon be relying on the public’s vote to fend off finalists such as Andrea Faustini, Only The Young, and Fleur East.

The former Peel Park Primary School student, who impressed his idol Liam Gallagher during an impromptu gig in Accrington last April, appeared on ITV’s This Morning on Wednesday with mentor and judge Louis Walsh, who described the band as ‘special’.

After X Factor, Diana a former Westholme School student built a career, which has included playing the lead in a West End hit production of Little Voice, launching a fashion label and writing songs for other artists.

Her latest project is her first television acting role in the six-part comedy series Give Out Girls, which premieres on Comedy Central on October 14.