A Chessington singer dubbed a "nightmare" on the X Factor has said she was left feeling confused after receiving so many messages of support following her appearance on the ITV talent show.

Rachel Rabin, known as Raign, managed to rub judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini up the wrong way when she appeared on the hit show for her Wembley Arena audition at the weekend.

Audiences heard Cheryl say: "She's really annoying. I can't stand her. I couldn't work with her. There is no way. I'm allergic to her."

But Raign, who has lived in the borough all her life, said: "The fascinating thing of all this is that I have had an amazing response online, so I’m quite confused about what’s going on. I was not expecting that.

"The first audition is difficult because you don’t know which bits they are going to use - they can edit it anywhere. It is such an emotional experience."

Speaking about Cheryl, the 31-year-old added: "Cheryl is a sweetheart.

"I have watched the show a lot since and she has a good eye for talent."

Raign who has already featured on a Russian number one dance anthem and had her audition song featured on hit US teen drama series the Vampire Diaries, said her success was down to being "developed" in the borough.

She said: "Kingston has been great - it is a great borough for artists because it helps develop their art. I did everything locally so I am just so grateful to everyone that helped me.

"I have been going shopping in the Bentall Centre and I can’t get out of the shops. People are asking me for selfies and I love it. I really hope Kingston gets behind me."

The former Tolworth Girls’ School pupil who studied Spanish, Chemistry and Maths at A Level, was a member of Hinchley Wood Operatic Society and regularly took part in drama workshops at the Cornerhouse.

She has also performed gigs in the Grey Horse pub and taken part in Kingston Arts events as well as shows for homeless charities over the years.

Surrey Comet:

Raign is a former Tolworth Girls' student who has lived in the borough her whole life

Aine Lark, former form tutor and chair of Kingston Arts, said: "She works extremely hard and she knows her mind - she is self driven and self motivated. People should give her a chance, she is brilliant."

Headteacher Siobhan Lowe said: "Tolworth Girls' School is delighted to see a former student has made it through. 

"We will of course encourage all of our students to ‘vote TGS’ if Raign reaches the live finals."

Former Chessington Community College pupil Jade McQueen also made it into boot camp at the weekend.