X Factor star, Matt Cardle performed a secret gig in Colne Engaine, near Chelmsford, over the weekend to a legion of suprised local fans.
The 27 year old labourer from Little Maplestead, near Halstead, kept the gig under wraps and refused press admission to the show in an attempt to keep the footage under wraps for next weekend's X-Factor show.
Matt, who went through to the final 12 contestants over the weekend, promised to return to the Five Bells pub near his home if he ever made it.
Manager of the Five Bells, Darren Lingley, explained: “He has worked for us during festivals and things and has also performed here as part of a duo and with his band."
“He’s always promised that if he got anywhere, he would do a gig here, so he spoke to the bosses and managed to set it up, which was great.”
Clips of the gig should appear on X Factor on ITV this weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday evening's show.
