She might not be singing live on TV tonight, but Tamera Foster will be riding the X Factor rollercoaster for quite a while.

Despite being a massive hit with the judges, the 16-year-old Gravesend girl got the fewest number of votes and left the show on Sunday.

Mum Rachael said the North West Kent College student was obviously very disappointed, but also excited about the next stage.

Tamera will now be gigging around the country until she goes back to ITV for the X Factor Tour in February.

Rachael, 32, said: "We would have loved Tamera to get ­further but at the same time we're all so grateful for how far she got.

"There is an element of relief there as well. Singing in a live show to ­millions of people is very ­stressful for anybody, but especially for a 16-year-old.

"It's been a lot for us to cope with as a family.

"You have to live your life entirely around the show and, once you're ­involved, that's it; it's like the X Factor rollercoaster.

"I had to travel to London to see her each week, and I also have young ­children who need looking after and taking to school.

"It's not a ­normal ­situation, seeing your daughter on live television."

The family do not know where ­Tamera will be after the tour, but are ­hoping she will be signed up with a record company.

Until then they are looking forward to ­Christmas at their home in Gravesend.

Tamera said: "I love Christmas, it's my favourite time of the year and I get to see all my family. Both of my uncles are chefs so we have amazing food."