Romford girl Jesy Nelson from band Little Mix

Former teachers of Jesy Nelson have expressed their pride for the Romford singer who is in The X Factor final with girl band Little Mix.

Under the mentoring of N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos, Jesy and her bandmates have become the first girl group to make it into the ITV show’s final, and are now favourites to win it.

If they succeed they will also be the first group to win the competition.

Jesy’s former head at Abbs Cross Academy - a specialist arts school where fellow X Factor star Stacey Solomon was a pupil - is “thrilled to bits” for her.

Glenn Mayoh said: “Obviously she came with some talent, but she could develop that here.

“We’re delighted that she’s gone on and done so well in the competition.”

Jesy, now 20, left to attend the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School.

Sylvia Young said: “Jesy was a lovely girl, a nice student with talent and we wish her well. She showed real promise.”

The X Factor final takes places this weekend, with the result being announced on Sunday night. Whoever wins will be favourite to snatch number one spot in this year’s Christmas singles chart.