A Maidstone singer is hoping she has the X factor when she appears on the TV talent show this weekend.

Andrea Magee will be bringing her folk melodies and underground electronic sound to the masses as she takes part in the primetime singing contest - but without a sob story.

The Belfast-born singer, known simply as Magee, found brief fame on TV’s Fame Academy in 2003 before losing out in the final stages of the programme.

But yesterday she announced she was taking another bite of the talent show cherry, by putting herself forward for the ITV show.

She pledged to sing her own songs at every opportunity, and not sell out to the mass music industry.

Magee rallied fans on her Facebook page yesterday, writing: "The rumours are true. I am taking part in the X factor this year.

"I realised on my quest to make a career of my music I was trying my arm at a lot of different avenues except the one everyone would suggest.

"If you would like to get behind me and give me your support that would be massively appreciated!

"I will be staying true to my musical style with no sob story attached (sorry)."

But she will need to impress judges Gary Barlow, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh, followed by a live audience at Wembley in order to get through to the bootcamp.

The former head of music at Wrotham School, released her debut EP last year produced by Benny D, who has produced Paloma Faith and Plan B.

She has gained popularity as an open mic night regular at venues including the Lobster Pot pub in West Malling and the Green Man in Hodsell Street, near Wrotham.