DIANA Vickers is ‘desperate’ to sing tonight as she bids to recover from a severe throat infection.

The Westholme pupil, who lives with her mum in Accrington, is expected to be kicked off The X Factor if she cannot perform today.

And the national media has been speculating that if Diana cannot make it, Laura White, the Bolton singer who was controversially ejected last week, may be brought in as a replacement.

It follows a media storm all week into the decision to let Diana, 17, miss last week’s show due to her infection.

Bosses of the ITV talent contest declined to comment on what would happen if Diana did not recover.

Diana is said to be having trouble even talking and will be seen by a doctor before the show who will make the decision.

Her mum Ann said: “She’s feeling quite a bit better and we’re hoping she will be able to perform. I know that she’s been resting her voice all week and that she will see a doctor before she performs.

“She desperately wants to sing.”

Dad Eddie Vickers said: “We’re not certain if she will be well enough to perform or not.

“Hopefully there’s been a slight improvement.”

Yesterday a yellow open-top bus filled with her family and friends travelled through the streets of Blackburn to drum up support for Diana.