Leona Lewis performed and wowed audiences with a homecoming gig at Hackney just days before The X Factor final.

The stunning 21-year-old star played to a packed house at the Hackney Empire in Mare Street on Monday night.

And in an exclusive interview with the Gazette before going on stage, she said she was “overwhelmed” by the crowd’s reaction.

“It was amazing and unbelievable,” she said. “It’s definitely important to come back here because I grew up in Hackney. I live here and my friends and family are here.”

“It’s nice to be a role model to young girls and to show that wherever you go and whatever you do, you can do it if you work hard.”

Leona trained at the performing arts academy, Italia Conti, in Goswell Road, Islington. She then worked as PA at Metropolitan Mortgages in Median Road, Lower Clapton, before trying her luck on the talent show.

She has reached the final of the talent show competition with a series of top-class performances.
hackneygazette