As Walthamstow singer Fleur East rockets to stardom on the X Factor – the Guardian looks back at her journey from E17 to Wembley Arena.
Miss East, who will take part in the series final, this weekend watched by millions of viewers, first took to the stage in 2005.
After honing her talents at after school club Ladders at George Mitchell School in Leyton, Miss East joined a girl band Addictiv Ladies.
The group was formed with close friends Nicola Owusu-Arontoh, Stephanie Yamson, and Vivienne Umeh.
They made the X Factor live shows, but eventually lost out to Chico Slimani.
In 2008, Miss East featured in the Guardian as she modelled at The Mall in Walthamstow.
She took part in the modelling competition at the Walthamstow shopping centre, where she worked for Topshop.
Miss East, 24, of Rosslyn Road, will appear in the final of the X Factor at Wembley arena this weekend.
Tonight she will put on a show for fans at Walthamstow Assembly Hall, accompanied by mentor Simon Cowell.
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