HUNDREDS of people waited for hours in the cold for the arrival of Jahmene Douglas at Asda, his old workplace.

Some had been there from 9am to catch a glimpse of the X Factor star and there were loud cheers and tears when he arrived shortly after midday.

He got out of the car with Nicole Scherzinger and made his way down the line of waiting fans having pictures taken and signing autographs.

Waiting at the end of the line were his old colleagues and his family, including mum Mandy, brothers Isaac and Darren and sister Corice.

Laura Golding, 41, of Woodall Park, said Jahmene was brilliant. She said: “I have been watching and listening to the show most weeks. It is great that something good is coming out of Swindon.”

And teenager Rebecca Wickens, of Pinehurst, had been braving the chilly weather since 9.45am to catch a glimpse of the singer.

“I’m really glad he’s remembering his roots,” said the 16-year-old. A lot of celebrities to go to America and forget about where they come from but Jahmene is remembering his roots.

“Definitely he can win. I have been voting for him every week. I have run up a big phone bill.”

Sarah McLean, 28, of Redhouse, who came with her family, said: “He’s amazing, he’s so good. I’m really proud of how far he has come.

“I think he will win it. I think James Arthur is really good as well but I think Jahmene will get the people’s vote.”

Also waiting at the front of the store, wearing his Vote Jahmene T-shirt, was Stewart Fleming, Asda Walmart’s fresh manager, who is still technically the star’s boss until his career break comes to an end on January 13.

He said: “I did speak to him last week and told him I expected to see him back at work and he just laughed at me.

“I have got nothing but pride for the guy and I hope he goes from strength to strength.

“I’m really pleased he decided to come, because there’s a lot of guys that work with him here that were close to him when he was at the store and they’re just made up for him to come back and say hello and have a chat to them.”