WILL Young, the first winner of Pop Idol, has backed Diana Vickers to claim victory in this year’s X Factor.

During a performance on Saturday night’s show the star was asked who his favourite performer was and his answer was simple – Diana.

Saturday’s programme saw her perform the Blondie classic Call Me as the acts turned their talents towards disco anthems.

Will Young, who gave tips to the young performers as they prepared their songs, described Diana as his favourite after she belted out the hit which saw her in black hot pants and standing on roller skates.

Diana’s mum, Ann Vickers, said she was delighted to see her daughter progress.

Speaking yesterday, she said: “I thought it was a good performance and she looked happy with it. Everyone seemed to enjoy it. She will have to perform Mariah Carey tunes next week so that will be interesting for her to see which song she gets.”

Mrs Vickers was speaking from London where she was waiting for Diana, 17, to finish rehearsals.

Although some judges were critical of the choreography on Diana’s routine, Simon Cowell praised her vocals.

He told her: “That was the best performance so far.”

Fellow judge Louis Walsh added: “You are one of my favourite people in this.”