IT WAS a proud day for Jahmene’s mum as she watched her son switch on the Christmas lights with their family and friends around them.

The X Factor experience has been a rollercoaster ride for Mandy Thomas and seeing the thousands of adoring fans fill Wharf Green last night made her realise just how big a star her son has become.

Before the switch-on she said: “What a great honour for Jahmene to switch the Christmas lights on for Swindon.

“I bet he never dreamt of this happening – there were so many people who came to watch him.”

As Jahmene took to the stage he was watched not just by hundreds of screaming fans, but also by many of his family who had travelled from all parts of country to see him.

Mandy said: “I have been swamped with calls, texts, tweets and emails.

“The whole world and his mother wanted to be there.

“Distant family can’t make it on short notice but say they will be with us in spirit.

“I have a few family members here who have come from Wales and Bath. Jahmene has supporters up and down the country who are coming.”

Jahmene was in Swindon with his X Factor mentor, former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and Mandy said it must have been a world away from what she is used to.

“I wonder what Nicole has made of Swindon,” she said.

“She got to walk around House of Fraser, but maybe we should have got her to go to the 99p shop. She would probably come out with a trolley load.

“She is so excitable, her energy just oozes from her, so positive and so perky.”