The last time I saw Sam Bailey was in 2014 when she headlined the X Factor tour at the BIC having won the previous year's competition.

Thursday night saw her perform a more stripped back show at the Lighthouse to a smaller but just as appreciative audience.

First up though was competition winner Nevaeh who was the night's first support act and at a mere seven-years-old probably the youngest support I have ever seen.

A brief three songs was probably enough for someone so young although she did not seem in the slightest bit phased by the experience.

Next was the official support act Nikki Loy who delivered an excellent set of self penned songs from her newly released album Pivotal that is well worth tracking down and giving a second (and third) listen.

After a short break the main show started with a video showcasing the work of the Rainbow charity where some of the proceeds from these gigs will be going before the the main act of the evening Sam Bailey took to the stage.

The set started with covers of Somebody Else's Guy, I Can't Make you Love Me and self penned Echo.

Sam was very chatty and engaging throughout the show and has obviously not let her rapid rise to fame and the rollercoaster ride change who she has always been.

The whirlwind of the TV show and tour are now behind her and leaving Syco has given her the freedom to write her own songs and pursue her own path.

The set list moved from originals to cover versions of classic songs such as Dirty Laundry by Don Henley, Clown by Emily Sande and I'm Telling You from Dreamgirls which received a well deserved standing ovation.

Sam has also decided to have a different local Rock Choir join her on stage each night of the gig and this section delivered really well arranged covers of Something Inside So Strong, The Living Years sung by Marc Bolton and self penned Never Again.

The show ended with Sing My Heart Out the title track from the album of the same name.

What we saw tonight was proof that the X Factor can provide a platform for artists who can then go on and sustain a career based on hard work, dedication and real talent and long may it continue for Sam.