AN X Factor starlet wowed the crowds in a secret performance on home ground.

Lauren Platt, 16, was enjoying a night out at the Rare Cow restaurant, in Billiercay, when she decided to get up on stage and serenade her fellow customers.

Lauren, from Billericay, sang to them after popping in for dinner with a friend.

One guest said it had been a treat.

They said: “She was brilliant and got a fantastic reception.

Everyone is going to vote for her.”

Lauren, who goes to Billericay School, appeared on the first episode of the ITV show this year.

She was given four thumbs-up to get through to the next round, with Simon Cowell telling her he had found “someone special”.

Lauren, pictured left, will next perform in front of a crowd on the hit show to try to make it through to the next round.