X Factor hopeful "a lovely boy". (From South Wales Guardian)

X Factor hopeful "a lovely boy".

8:00am Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

THE hot favourite for this year’s X Factor is an Amman Valley boy at heart.

Jahmene Douglas’ family comes from Gwaun cae Gurwen and great-aunts Marlene Rees, of Brynaman, and Ann Rees, of Cefnbrynbrian, remain in close contact with the 21- year-old Swindon-based singer.

“Jahmene is such a lovely boy,” said Marlene, of Mountain Road.

“He texted me the night before the final to thank us all for our support.”

Jahmene’s late grandfather Brian Thomas moved to the Midlands as a young man but returned to GcG with his new wife to raise a family. When Brian died his wife returned to England with daughter Mandy – Jahmene’s mum, but has stayed in touch. “They are very proud of being Welsh,”

said Marlene, “and I go to Swindon quite a lot to see them.”

Jahmene wowed TV audience’s with his rendition of John Lennon’s classic Imagine – and the response he received has been nothing short of staggering – including a message from the former Beatle’s wife.

“There was a message on Jahmene’s website from Yoko Ono,” said a flabbergasted Marlene.

“She said she had heard him sing Imagine and that she loved his version.

“We are all so excited for him. He is a lovely boy and a fabulous singer.

“We are hoping everyone from the valley and south Wales will get behind him and vote for him.”