The X Factor star Jay James was an audience favourite in his home village of Saundersfoot long before he performed in front of the television cameras.

As Jay took on a slick James Bond style to perform Skyfall on Saturday night’s show, local fans have been recalling his first appearances on the Saundersfoot stage when he was a tiny, lively youngster.

As James Picton, he became involved with Saundersfoot Musical Youth - now Saundersfoot Footlights - through his mother, Janet, who was the group’s choreographer.

“He was really sweet, and managed to get himself on stage before the official age of seven,” recalled long-standing Footlights member Pauline Hunting.

“He used to go to all the rehearsals with his mum and as he was there so often he knew all the songs for Guys and Dolls, so we fitted him out with a costume.

“The audience loved him even then. There were a lot of Ohs and Ahs!”

James went on to play the young Jerome in South Pacific in 1991; took on the title role in Oliver with an unforgettable solo of Where is Love the following year; was part of the chorus of Annie in 1993 and lined up in the Family Von Trapp as Kurt in the Sound of Music in 1994.

But possibly his first public performance was singing a solo as one of the Three Kings in the Christmas play by the Early Years children in Tenby’s St Teilo’s School, which he attended with his sister Angharad.

His teacher at the time, Julie Conybeare, recalled: “James was an imp! He was always laughing and loved playing in the water tray. He could sing then, and had a very high, sweet voice.”

James took time out to send a special video message to the children at St Teilo’s, who are sharing the excitement at his continued success in The X Factor.

His mentor, Simon Cowell, told the 31-year-old that he ‘just gets better every week’, with Mel B commenting ‘you never let us down’. But he still failed to impress Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, who provoked a spat with Simon when she told the singer that she ‘just didn’t feel’ his version of the Adele song.

Jay admitted he was ‘so nervous’ during his performance, adding: “It was such a big song, but I loved it”

This week has also seen him featuring in OK magazine with his wife Victoria and little daughter Nova.

Saturday’s night’s The X Factor will have a Hallowe’en Fright Night theme and is on ITV at 8pm.