Jake Quickenden and Stephanie Pratt meet fans in Black Country

The singer and presenter was at Intu Merry Hill centre as it held a student night offering discounts at the shopping complex.

Jake was joined by Stephanie Pratt from reality TV show Made In Chelsea as he was warmly welcomed by hundreds of female fans.

The pair appeared on stage and took part in a game where they were joined by members of the crowd to try and remember the lyrics of songs.

Jake, who won an army of fans during last year's X Factor and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, was mobbed with requests for pictures and autographs as he met with everyone. He was mentored by Mel B in the star-making show before entering the celebrity jungle with former MP Edwina Currie.

He finished as runner-up to superbiker Carl Fogarty.

He said that he was happy to be in the area and also with the reaction he received.

He is now aiming to push ahead with his music and TV work.

"They were all lovely, it was really nice. I have been to Birmingham quite a few times, it is the first time in Dudley but it won't be the last," he said.

In terms of X Factor he said: "I have watched as much as I can and I think it is great, getting Nick and Rita in there was great.

"They are budding, young, really refreshing. Cheryl has been amazing this year and Simon is the King."

Stephanie, who has recently recovered from a spider bite, said she was pleased to visit the Midlands and was planning to stay on Made in Chelsea. "I love getting to hear the different accents," she said. "I love meet and greets.

"I have no plans to leave I enjoy it so much. My best friends are all the girls on the show."

Fellow Made In Chelsea star Jamie Laing had also been due to attend but was unable to make it.

Charlotte Hall, aged 17 from Stourbridge, was one of those to meet Jake. She said: "I am speechless, he is beautiful.

"I have always wanted to be a singer and I have looked up to him and he is really nice."