An X Factor semi-finalist from Cricklewood is preparing to go on tour and leaving behind her former life as a dentist’s receptionist.

Brent & Kilburn Times: X Factor judge Rita Ora home in Kensal Rise has been burgled (pic: PA)X Factor judge Rita Ora home in Kensal Rise has been burgled (pic: PA) (Image: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

Lauren Murray will not be returning to her job at the Balcombe Dental Practice in Mill Hill, following the end of the XFactor television competition.

Laughing she said: “No way. I never came that far, I never done all of that to go back to the dentist.

“There’s no chance of that. If I have to sing outside Brent Cross everyday I will.”

The 25-year-old, who lost in a deadlock vote during the semi-finals, returned to the ITV show on Sunday to see Essex teenager Louisa Johnson crowned as the winner.

She said: “Louisa deserved it. I could never have done this at 17 so that in itself is amazing.

“I’m relieved that it’s finished but it’s been such an amazing experience. I never expected to get that far in the competition, so for me to even get to the semi-final was amazing.

“It was really nice to see everyone from the show because we’ve all done that whole journey together. It was nice to see Kiera Weathers because me and her were really close. It was nice to see her, Seann (Miley Moore), it was a good re-union.”

She said she was no longer in touch with judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Versini-Fernandez and Nick Grimshaw but was in regular contact with her mentor Rita Ora who lives Kensal Rise.

“I talk to Rita a lot and we text and stuff and she’s been amazing, she was the best mentor ever,” she said.

The straight talking singer with the belting voice was also endorsed by singer Adele on the final show.

The Oscar winning performer picked Louisa to win but said Lauren was her “favourite”.

Ms Murray said of the endorsement: “That was one of the best moments of my life. I think it’s because she’s normal and I’m normal, she’s just amazing, I was over the moon. I love her.”

The former pupil from St Agnes RC Primary School in Thorverton Road, Cricklewood, said she’ll be spending Christmas with her mother and sister before preparing for the XFactor tour in February.

The tour will see final seven contestants travel around the UK performing popular songs from the show.

She added: “The tours coming up and we’ve got to do that, then hopefully I’ll get an album out and we’ll see what happens.

“Everyone’s been so supportive of Team Lauren, I hope to keep Team Lauren alive, keep going and keep getting stronger, and bigger.”