X FACTOR singing sensation Diana Vickers is kicking off her career by going on tour and releasing her first single.

Diana, of Burnley Road, in Huncoat, will release her debut single, Once, on April 19.

But in anticipation of the release she will also be going on tour to showcase her album.

Her mum Anne said: "Diana is really excited about the forthcoming album and single. She has just got back now and is very tired but she is very excited about how things are going. I think the album is what most people would expect from Diana, it’s quirky fun with some up beat songs and ballads.  Diana would love to perform in her home town Accrington as part of the tour but that is out of her hands. Hopefully in the future a venue will be able to found for her. For the moment we will have to be thankful she can play in Blackburn."

The Westholme pupil shot to fame for her quirky song choices and lack of shoes during performances. She was a big hit with the national media over the controversy of her relationship with fellow contestant Eoghan Quigg.

Diana, who lives with her mum and sister Charlotte, was at one point tipped to win the X Factor.

She was voted out of the 2008 show leaving winner Alexandra Burke, boy band JLS and Eoghan to battle it out.

Anne added: "Diana is still very close to Ruth (Lorenzo) who she sees a lot because she is just half an hour from her. But I know she also still sees the JLS boys."

Diana, 18, has spent the last year making and writing her album, after signing a deal with RCA Records.

On her yet untitled album she has collaborating with musicians such as Guy Sigsworth, Ellie Goulding, Nerina Pallot and Lightspeed Champion. Her record company are marketing her album as ‘one of the sparkiest and most unique pop records of recent years.’

The album is due to be released in late April.

Diana will kick off her UK tour in Bristol on March 20 before finishing at the nearby King George’s Hall in Blackburn on March 27.

Tickets cost £10 and can be bought from the website www.gigsandtours .com or by calling 0871 2200260.