IT WAS decision day for Diana Vickers yesterday when specialists were due to announce whether the X Factor finalist would be able to sing in tomorrow night’s live show.

As the Observer went to press her dad Eddie said: "Her specialist will decide today. Diana desperately wants to sing."

Last week Diana was unable to perform after being struck down with laryngitis and has stayed in the X Factor house all week in a bid to regain her voice.

But poorly Diana, 17, made a surprise visit to Accrington on Wednesday to see mum Ann, her dad and sister Charlotte.

She also visited Ann’s colleagues at Marks & Spencers in Blackburn and friends at Westholme School before returning to London in the evening.

Eddie said: "It was just a flying visit. It was lovely to see her and she was very excited. She was in good spirits.

"Her throat is a bit better but she is seeing a specialist today who will make a decision on whether she can sing or not.

"She’s not letting the bad reports in the press upset her. She’s always wanted to sing."

While the other contestants sang Mariah Carey favourites and met the pop princess last Saturday, Diana was in bed at the X Factor house in North London.

The show’s producers controversially agreed to give Diana an automatic place in this week’s show.

Although she has been following doctors’ advice by not talking or singing, it is not known if Diana will be able to join the other six contestants as they sing the Best of Britain on tomorrow night’s live show.

Her mum said: "She was really upset that she couldn’t sing at the weekend. Her throat was really sore.

"We don’t know what is going to happen at the weekend but we are hoping for the best."

Ann also said Diana was disappointed to learn her room-mate Laura White had been knocked out of the show as the two had been very good friends.

Shortly before being struck down with a sore throat, Diana spoke to the Observer about her weekly schedule.

Mondays are spent with a vocal coach, Tuesdays working with choreographer Brian Friedman, Wednesdays include press interviews, Thursdays more vocal coaching and interviews and Fridays are a full rehearsal of the live show.

Diana said: "I am not getting much sleep. We have really late nights and really early mornings. My throat has been suffering from all the singing."

But she said she is having the time of her life and loves performing.

She added: "It’s completely different from Westholme shows. I am performing in front of millions of people and being judged by Simon Cowell. It’s really scary to be judged but he is really nice."

For regular updates and the doctor’s decision, log on to www.accringtonobserver.co.uk

X Factor will be screened tomorrow (Saturday) night on ITV 1 at 7.20pm, with the results show at 9.35pm.