A NORTH-East teenager is has had her hopes of stardom revived after being selected as a “wildcard” in this year’s X-Factor.

Samantha Lavery, from Coxhoe, in County Durham, left the show on Saturday after failing to impress in the six chair challenge.

But the 17-year-old was given a second chance after being one of four contestants to be given a wildcard on Sunday’s show.

Following the decision, she took to social media to thank her supporters, saying she was “overwhelmed” by the response.

She will now travel to Malibu in California for the Judges’ House stage of competition, which is the final hurdle before the acts are chosen to take part in the live shows.

She is one of seven girls competing to be mentored by Simon Cowell.

Samantha, who is studying music at Newcastle College, had been a firm favourite with the music producer but was criticised on Saturday for being over-styled and for a poor song choice.

A last minute song change saw her perform Jessie J’s Mamma Knows Best.

She was given the wild card by judge Louis Walsh.

He told her: “You’ve got great stage presence and a great voice.”