DIANA Vickers came home yesterday in a surprise visit to East Lancashire.

The 17-year-old X Factor hopeful spent the morn-ing with her mum at their home in Accrington.

In the afternoon she dropped in to see her teachers and friends at Westholme School, before visiting work colleagues at Marks and Spencer, in Blackburn town centre.

Cameras for the ITV1 talent contest were following Diana and the visit is likely to be screened on a future broadcast.

X Factor officials said Diana was unable to give interviews as she needed to rest her voice after a throat infection which forced her to sit out last week’s show.

But, amid a growing national media storm about the decision to let her go through to the next round, she issued a statement re-iterating that she was unable to perform.

Footage yesterday emer-ged of Diana at a bonfire night event last Wednes-day in which she was seen shouting with glee along-side fellow contestants.

In the statement, Diana said: “I felt under the weather all last week, but didn’t want to miss out on the fireworks display.

“On Thursday I saw the doctor and was given antibiotics and next day I was diagnosed with laryngitis by a Harley Street specialist.

“Until Saturday after-noon, I was still hoping and praying that I would be well enough to perform, but the producers spoke to the doctor who made it clear that I could risk long-term damage to my voice.

“I was absolutely devastated to be told I couldn’t perform on Saturday and disapp-ointed not to be able to meet Mariah Carey.

“I am due to see the doctor again on Friday, so fingers crossed, I will be able to take part in this Saturday’s show.”

Diana called in at Marks and Spencer, in King William Street, at about 3.30pm. She was greeted by cheers from teary-eyed staff and a group of customers gathered in the store entrance taking pictures on their mobile phones and asking for autographs.

Diana was heard to say: “My voice is on the mend. I have to see the doctor again tomorrow, but it’s got a lot better.”