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OUR LITTLE PRINCEXS

EXCLUSIVE Mum reveals favourite's childhood album and tells how success has eased family pain Diana keeps us strong after split heartbreak

The proud mum of X Factor hopeful Diana Vickers has opened her photo album to The People - as she revealed how her daughter helped to keep the family together.

Emotional Ann Vickers said the angelic singer was left devastated after her parents split.

But they have now united for the sake of the talented teenager, who has a sister, Charlotte, 21.

In an exclusive interview, Ann, 56, said: "We are lucky because when people separate, it can wreck families."

She and husband Edwin, 60, decided to part 18 months ago, and she admitted: "It was hard on us and on the girls.

"But we got through it, and Diana is really close to both of us. When we go down to London to see her each weekend, we all go together."

Ann, from Accrington, Lancs, added: "Edwin and I might have separated, but we're still a really tight-knit family. And we're all so proud of Diana."

Diana, a hot favourite to win, first caught the eye of the panel in Manchester by singing The Blower's Daughter by Damien Rice.

With her baby doll looks and stunning voice, the 17-year-old sailed through the bootcamp stages.

She then impressed all the judges on her first live performance, with both her mentor Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue describing her as "quirky, contemporary and cool".

Simon Cowell named her the one to beat after her version of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror. And in last night's Big Band themed show she wowed fans again with Smile.

But mum Ann told how the star struggles with homesickness. She said: "Diana is only 17 and is a long way from home, so she does get quite lonely.

"She's only been to London once or twice before and it is quite overwhelming for her. She texts and calls us every day to tell us what she's up to."

The family are joined by the singer's boyfriend Chris Jones, 18, a student at the University of Manchester, on their weekly trips to the capital.

Ann said: "We watch her live performances and all spend time together on Sunday. We don't do anything too exciting, we just find somewhere nice to have lunch or go shopping, but those visits help to keep Diana going.

"The others in the X Factor house have been fantastic as well. They are all looking after her."

The photos Ann showed The People included snaps of a two-year-old Diana on a family holiday in Majorca and school pictures of the budding singer.

Others show her at an X Factor house party this month - and a recent attempt at pole dancing with a pal.

Ann told how Diana's talent was quickly spotted by music teachers at the all-girls Westholme School in Blackburn, where she was cast in productions of Annie and the Sound of Music.

She said: "When Diana was four she started ballet and tap, and she has had singing lessons for most of her life. Whenever she heard a song she liked on the radio shewould spring into life.

"Her talent has always been there, but I noticed it for the first time when I saw her in a school play.

"I remember thinking, 'Oh my god, she really does have a lovely voice'."

That unique sound has made Diana the darling of the judges, with Cheryl saying it "makes her melt". But Ann said the praise won't shake the youngster's down-to-earth temperament. And she hit out at hurtful stories that she was becoming a mini diva - who has even been dubbed Princess Diana.

She said: "There is no way Diana is a diva. She works in Marks and Spencer's, for heaven's sake. She is just an ordinary girl who loves singing and dancing, and can't believe she has made it this far.

"For Diana, every week is a bonus. She doesn't take anything for granted because she knows she's up against some fantastic singers. She just feels lucky. The downside is that she does get incredibly nervous before each live performance." Cheryl has been giving her one-on-one sessions to boost her confidence. Ann (left) said: "Cheryl has been absolutely brilliant. Every week she takes her to one side and reassures her it will be OK. She tells her to just keep doing what she's doing, because she is fantastic. It does really make a difference.

"When she goes on stage all that nervousness disappears.

"When I watch her sing now I am amazed. I can't believe it's my Diana up there singing to millions of people."

Source: Sunday People