Croydon's newest pop hero Ben Haenow wowed a crowd of hundreds at a homecoming show last night - when his mentor Simon Cowell also made an appearance.
The X-Factor finalist sang songs including the Beatles' Come Together outside the Whitgift Centre ahead of his battle for the TV talent show's crown this weekend.
The Shirley van driver arrived on a bus adorned with his face and name in the final publicity push ahead the programme's finale.
After being introduced to the stage by the music mogul, the 29-year-old also performed John Lennon's Jealous Guy and thanked the borough for its support.
The evening also saw the blossoming of an unlikely friendship - with Croydon Council leader tweeting a selfie with multi-millionaire record label boss Cowell at his side.
In tweets: Ben Haenow's homecoming
ON THE WAY TO CROYDON!! If you see the bus make a fuss!!! #votebenhaenow pic.twitter.com/KZSK7W0BAh
— Ben Haenow (@Bhaenow) December 9, 2014
These guys are coming to my gig!! AND I WANT YOU THERE TOO!! outside the Whitgift Centre in croydon at 7pm TONIGHT XX pic.twitter.com/ZdiYV4Zg53
— Ben Haenow (@Bhaenow) December 9, 2014
Hey all! Me and my mate @SimonCowell will be in croydon for my homecoming gig outside the Whitgift Centre croydon at 7pm xx see you there x
— Ben Haenow (@Bhaenow) December 9, 2014
My mum has arrived in the #XFBattleBus!! Xx pic.twitter.com/uVOYOzN3xR
— Ben Haenow (@Bhaenow) December 9, 2014
Busy then!! @Bhaenow #croydon #bentowin @TheXFactor pic.twitter.com/EFLbatrR5x
— Mandie Kemp (@mandiekemp) December 9, 2014
@Bhaenow tonight in Croydon woo yah #BenToWin pic.twitter.com/scrTzKQcTk
— georgiarogers (@_georgiarogers) December 9, 2014
@Bhaenow incredible- worth the trek from Central London and defo the highlight of my day #Haeniac #BenHaenowToWin pic.twitter.com/LfIJk9BV1i
— sana bakkali (@SanaBakkali) December 9, 2014
Woah! What a homecoming for @Bhaenow That crowd waiting hours in cold and rain tells me something: #BenToWin https://t.co/AduJkzrDwL
— Ben Haenow News (@SpamForBen) December 10, 2014
Aww @Bhaenow @SimonCowell @TheXFactor too sweet xx #croydonbenhaenow top show tonight !! My daughter voting @Bhaenow pic.twitter.com/zQxrRkbfpv
— A jem (@Juicyjemx) December 9, 2014
Thank you @CroydonBID @WL_Creative @TheXFactor & our star @Bhaenow 4 making Croydon proud tonight @yourcroydon pic.twitter.com/lXwRpkySdo
— Tony Newman (@CllrTony) December 9, 2014
YOU GUYS ARE INCREDIBLE!!!! I love you all!! You made my #homecoming the best day ever!!
— Ben Haenow (@Bhaenow) December 9, 2014
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