Niamh (17) who is currently combining her A Level studies with the BBC talent search I’d Do Anything, has been a favourite with the judges from the start of the show, along with Belfast’s Rachel Tucker.

But last weekend the teenager found herself in the bottom two after failing to win over the public with her rendition of the Zutons/Amy Winehouse song Valerie.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of tonight’s show, Niamh’s mum Zaron said she believed many people had not voted for her because they thought she was “safe”.

And she revealed that some people had even stopped her in the street and apologised for not voting.

“I think what happened is that because she’s been doing well, a lot of voters just thought she would be safe and wouldn’t need their votes but of course this wasn’t the way it turned out,” the budding starlet’s mum said.

“Last week’s song wasn’t the best one for her and although she was a bit upset immediately afterwards, by the time we got to her she was fine and feeling quite philosophical about it all.

“This week the emphasis has been on acting and she’s been spending time with Barbara Windsor and Denise Van Outen, concentrating on that.

“The song she’ll be doing is a big band track which will show off her acting skills, so I really, really hope the Northern Ireland public get behind her.”

Zaron said Niamh had enjoyed some one-on-one time with Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber this week as well and said she had enjoyed the experience.

“She just feels so honoured to have worked with him and is feeling really excited about this week’s show,” she said.

“Obviously she’ll be a bit nervous too but she’s feeling more confident now and hopefully everyone will come out and support her.”

Meanwhile Belfast girl Rachel Tucker (26) remains the favourite with bookmakers William Hill and Paddy Power to win the role of Nancy in Cameron Mackintosh’s new version of Oliver.