AS X Factor favourite Grace Davies prepares to do battle in the ITV’s show final this weekend, Lancashire Telegraph reporter Ciaran Duggan has been exclusively speaking to the 20-year-old about her journey to stardom.

“I’m proud of where I come from and it’s nice to put Blackburn on the map just like the Beatles did to Liverpool,” said Grace as she prepared to wow her home town audience in as part of a film to be aired during the final.

For the former warehouse worker and barmaid the search for the bright lights of stardom has been a long and difficult journey.

Working around the clock to pay bills as well as performing pub gigs to feed her talent, many people in East Lancashire have always said Grace would make it to the top.

Her popularity is not just confined to Langho, the village where she lives, or the wider community of Blackburn with Darwen, it resonates across the UK.

Since her first appearance on the primetime TV show Grace has gained thousands of fans and followers on social media.

So it was no surprise when she returned to her home town for the first time since reaching the dizzy heights of fame that she played to a full crowd in Blackburn’s Cathedral Quarter.

The singing sensation hopes votes from her home town will boost her chances of winning the X Factor title this weekend.

Ahead of her life changing performance, Grace, said: “This weekend the pressure is off.

“It’s the final so whether I come first, second or third it won’t matter because I’ve made it into the final three out of thousands of auditions.

“I will take it easy this week and go into the show with no added pressure at all.”

The Langho star’s first audition, which has received more than 3.5million views on YouTube, was screened in front of the 2,000-strong crowd.

Grace has spoken widely about her ‘Roots’ in the competition and reflected on the performance that would change her life forever.

She said: “It was mental at the time and I’m still not over the craziness from the first audition.

“I get emotional just thinking about it, even now.

“Since that day the support for me has been just amazing.

“The year since then has been incredible and reaching the competition’s final is something I could only have dreamed of.”

Coming back home to perform for the first time since her first audition, Grace performed four original songs in a 30-minute long gig.

The song to get the biggest reaction from fans was 'Roots'.

During her trip to Blackburn, Grace also visied many of her old haunts including the pub where she used to work and perform, The Feildens Arms in Feniscowles and her old school, Feniscowles Primary.

Grace said: “It has been wonderful coming back home.

“It’s absolutely mental seeing all the support I’ve received.

“”It’s brilliant to represent such a small town and I’m proud of where I come from.

“When you’re in the X Factor there’s so much going on in and outside that world which makes you appreciate the support you get to see from my home town.

“The biggest thing has been meeting the people who have voted for you every week face to face.

“I went back to the pub I used to work in and drank out of one of the pub’s beer taps.

“That does not happen down south.

“I’ve missed the Northern air.”

Mentor Sharon Osbourne was also in town to support her only act left in the competition.

Crowds screamed in shock and surprise when the X Factor judge walked onto the stage and with a microphone in her hand roared: “I love Blackburn.”

Ahead of Sharon’s appearance on stage, Grace, said: “Sharon has been wonderful and is one of my biggest supporters as well as being my mentor.

“She will Facetime me regularly and ask if I fancy a chat.

“Sharon cares about the little things and makes sure I’m comfortable in my own shoes.

“It’s has been great having her here in Blackburn and the fans will love her.”

Grace is now vying for the nation’s support in this weekend’s final as she dreams to become this year’s X Factor champion.