DIANA Vickers made an emotional exit from the X Factor on Saturday night - but told the Lancashire Telegraph: “It was my time to go.”

The 17-year-old, who grew up in Pleasington, Blackburn, was voted out in the ITV1 show’s semi-final in emotional scenes.

She was mobbed by crying fellow contestants, led by close friend 16-year-old Eoghan Quigg, during her final performance.

The former Westholme School pupil said: “It was beautiful.

"I couldn’t think of a better ending and I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.

“I was happy to go - it was my time, and I was ready for it. I have had the time of my life.

“I’m amazed at how much everyone has supported me. Without all of them I would not have got this far.”

Yesterday afternoon the starlet, who now lives in Accrington with mum Ann, was having dinner with show mentor Cheryl Cole to discuss her budding music career.

And she has a number of meetings lined up in the next few days, before embarking on the X-Factor tour.

She said: “It’s a whirlwind. I have lived and breathed the X Factor for months and it feels weird not knowing what’s going to happen, but that experience will be with me forever.”

She said she had not yet been in contact with Take That’s Gary Barlow, who offered her a contract on the show, adding: “We’ll just have to see what happens.

“It’s all a bit strange at the moment - it’s obviously been a shock and I’ve had a bit of a cry this morning but I’m okay and I know I still have it in my power to get to the top.”

Diana sang Avril Lavigne’s “Girlfriend” on the show, along with Dido’s “White Flag”.

Judges were impressed, despite criticism from Simon Cowell of her choosing the Dido song.

Cheryl Cole told presenter Dermot O’Leary on the show: “I don’t think this is the last we have seen of Diana.

"I’m really proud of her and I have loved every minute of working with her.”

Diana’s mum Ann said: “I thought she sounded brilliant, but obviously someone has to go every week and there can only be one winner in the end.

"She has had a fantastic time and made some wonderful friends.

“We’re all very disappointed that she won’t be able to do the homecoming concert in Blackburn.

"She would have loved to be able to sing in her home town and it would have been fantastic.”

Alexandra Burke, Eoghan Quigg and boyband JLS remain in the competition.