A duet?! Mary Byrne DITCHES old-school glamour on promotion trail

While it might be remembered as the series that launched global sensation, One Direction, series seven of the X Factor actually had quite a number of stand-out contestants.

While Matt Cardle and Rebecca Ferguson were pegged for stardom from the get-go, X Factor hopeful Mary Byrne also had the UK and Irish public eating out of the palm of her hand back in 2010.

An incredible singing voice coupled with a warm, down-to-earth personality made the Dubliner one of the most popular contestants in the long-running ITV show.

But after losing out to Matt Cardle six years ago, Mary’s star didn’t ascend quite as high as viewers and fans hoped, but that hasn’t stopped the former Tesco worker pursuing her dream.

Having released an album entitled Mine & Yours in 2011 followed by an autobiography called This Is My Life, Mary will now be performing alongside Cliff Richard on her upcoming Mediterranean Cruise ship performances.

And while Mary was known for her incredible on-stage persona – bejewelled gowns, ebony hair and show-stopping make-up – viewers were also given a sneak peek into the singer’s down-time get-up, and it endeared us to her even more.

Recently rocking flip-flops, cut-offs and a blonde bob, Mary smiled warmly for photographers outside Today FM studios after promoting her concerts with the one and only Sir Cliff.

And if the rumours are to be believed, Mary won’t be stopping there – Tesco’s most famous export is reportedly set to release a 60s-themed album in the not-too-distant future.

Yaaas Queen, yaaas.