SINGER Irene Ansell has waited 63 years for her 15 minutes of fame - but today said she enjoyed every second of her TV debut.

The 81-year-old from Rutland Road, Hove, captured the hearts of the nation when she became the "oldest diva" on the X-Factor talent show.

The great-grandmother, known as Rene, began her career in the city more than six decades ago when she was an 18-year-old heartbreaker - and she is still performing at Brighton Marina's Rendezvous Casino.

Rene wooed the judges with her rendition of the Billie Holliday classic Summertime - beating 50,000 rivals for a place in the second round.

Mean music mogul Simon Cowell failed to warm to the crinkly crooner but industry leaders Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne were impressed by her talents.

The singer entertained the troops during the Second World War - performing in front of crowds at the Regent Dance Hall and the Norfolk Hotel.

Despite still working full-time in the fabric shop Remnants in Blatchington Road, Hove, she has never given up on her love for singing.

The octogenarian has cut her first CD and is hoping for a flood of bookings after appearing on the ITV1 show.

Irene, who is great aunt to Sussex glamour model Jordan, said: "The show really was a wonderful experience, very exciting. Everyone was so nice.

"But it has come very late in life. I've been singing since I came to Brighton when I was 18. I have made a CD but it would be nice to have my own album out.

"They are looking for a pop star with a sexy image. He will not get that with me.

"When I sent my application in I never dreamt I would get an audition.

"I thought when they saw I was 81 they would think 'we've got a crackpot here.'

"After seeing the programme you have to ask how some of those people managed to get a chance."

Irene, who has two great-grandchildren aged six and three, said she liked Sussex-based Keane and Fatboy Slim but preferred Will Young.

And she insisted old favourites like Frank Sinatra were much more talented than modern musicians.

She said of Simon Cowell, whose mother Julie lives in Ovingdean: "When I went before him I expected him to be like that. That's how he has made his name.

"He might basically be a nice man but I preferred the other two judges. They know more about older type music.

"When Simon started the programme he said he was looking for the new Frank Sinatra, a crooner, and people of that era.

"But now he is just looking for the new Christina Aguilera.

"I think modern music is just manufactured rubbish. Those were the real songs during my era. Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra had wonderful voices."

X-Factor contestants have to battle through four rounds to a chance at stardom.

The second stage - which Irene now faces - is called Boot Camp and will involve intensive work with one of the three star judges.

Just 15 people will make it to the third round with the winner being chosen by the viewers after a live performance on national television Rene refused to reveal how she got on during the second round of the show, which will be shown next Saturday, adding: "That's top secret."

But she said there was nothing she enjoyed more than going under the spotlight and singing to an audience.

She hopes her brief moment of fame will bring even more bookings as she continues to perform with Tony Back, 62, in the pubs and bars of Brighton and Hove.