Chart-topper shows off the Nipper factor

Former X Factor contestant Diana Vickers cuddles Nipper the dog, the mascot of the famous company, at the HMV store in Leeds yesterday during a visit to the city to meet fans and sign copies of her new recently-released album Songs from the Tainted Cherry Tree.

By The Newsroom

Published 5th May 2010, 13:26 BST

Updated 5th May 2010, 13:26 BST

Vickers, originally from Blackburn in Lancashire, initially came to the public attention as a semi-finalist on the fifth series of the X Factor talent show in 2008.

Earlier this month, she reached the top of the singles chart with her first solo release.

The debut single Once went straight to number one, knocking US star Usher from the top spot to second position.

But the performer's work isn't entirely restricted to personal appearances and recording studios. She recently starred in the West End revival of The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice, taking the title role in last year's rival at the Vaudeville Theatre in London's West End.

She played Little Voice, who hides a talent as an impersonator of singers such as Shirley Bassey, Edith Piaf and Judy Garland, a role made famous by Jayne Horrocks, starring alongside Michael Caine and Ewan McGregor in the 1998 movie, which was largely shot in Scarborough.

Picture: Bruce Rollinson.