But whatever you think about Cher Lloyd, she was arguably the most refreshing thing to happen to X Factor in years.

From the moment she strolled on stage in her audition to perform Keri Hilson's version of Turn My Swag On, the then 16-year-old not only commanded the audience but altered the direction of a TV show hitherto famed for unearthing pop balladeers forever.

The series was in its infancy and it was already clear Lloyd exuded that rare 'X ...