X Factor bosses almost ruined a Christmas Day celebration by banning competition winner Alexandra Burke from performing at a Carshalton restaurant.

Alexandra, 20, was due to sing at La Veranda restaurant, as she has on Christmas Day for the last three years.

But this year, due to her strict X Factor contract, she was barred from performing.

Thankfully, her mother Melissa Bell, who found fame in the 80s as lead singer of the band Soul II Soul, stepped in at the last minute to take over Alexandra’s slot.

Alexandra, who secured the coveted Christmas number one spot with her single Hallelujah, did make an unexpected appearance, but did not sing.

Caroline Betancourth, wife of restaurant owner Hector, said diners went “wild”.

She said: “We were not sure if Alex would come.

"She could have gone anywhere but it shows how down to earth she is that she came here.

"She didn’t want to let her fans or Hector down.”

As a thank you, diners at the restaurant serenaded Alexandra with their own version of Hallelujah.

Hector Betancourth, who owns the restaurant, has known mum Melissa since he took over four years ago.

He said: “Melissa is a great friend, she is a wonderful woman and very talented.

"We were disappointed Alex wasn’t allowed to sing but Melissa is fantastic.”

Every Christmas the restaurant is fully booked as customers want to see Alexandra perform.

Hector said: “The customers love her – they book their Christmas tables just to see her.”

Alexandra was rejected by the X Factor three years ago, but Hector believes it made her more determined.

He said: “When Simon Cowell wasn’t interested three years ago, we had her singing here. I think it helped her confidence.

“She is going to be very famous.

“She has a lot more character and charisma than Leona Lewis.

“My three-year-old daughter Callie has been singing Hallelujah, it’s very cute.”