Former X Factor contestant Anastasia returned to The X Factor on Saturday night for a second attempt to land a place in the Finals.

The 21-year-old originally auditioned two years ago where she made it to the judges’ houses, but wasn’t taken through to the live finals by her mentor Cheryl Cole. That year Alexandra Burke was crowned winner with JLS as runner up.

Speaking before her audition, Anastasia said: “When I got a no from Cheryl it really did upset me. But I’m here now to prove that I am strong enough.

“When you’re a mum, like I am, you just have to teach your children to never give up on their dream. I have to do this.”

Asked by Cheryl if she felt her decision at the time was correct, Anastasia replied: “Yes, I definitely think you made the right choice. My daughter was really, really young and I don’t think my emotions meant I could cope with it. I wasn’t myself. When you see me perform now you’ll see who I really am.”

Anastasia then started her audition by performing Tina Turner’s ‘Proud Mary’, only to be stopped by Simon mid way through her performance. He said: “This is like one of these terrible Tina Turner tribute acts,” he said. “I’ve seen trannies do better versions. I have… I think you’re a better singer than that.”

Asked to sing another song, Anastasia opted for Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” which went done much better with the judges.

Simon said she was a “really talented singer” before giving her a yes along with Cheryl and Louis that saw her through to bootcamp.