Having charted Amy’s career from the first X Factor episode where the town cheered on their very own Amy from Watford, Watford Observer readers will no doubt be keen to know that she is now concentrating solely on launching her singing career. From the start we were behind her and watched her progress through the notorious boot camp and on to Cannes for the presitigious judges’ houses stage where only 24 acts remained.

“I’m very proud of myself for getting that far,” says Amy as we sit down in the Watford Observer offices for a chat ahead of her media tour, which kicks off in Scotland with a live interview with Amy on Scottish TV at 5.30pm today (Friday) in advance of her official single release on Monday, December 15.

Amy’s recollection of her last stint on the X Factor was of a spate of early mornings and late nights doing interviews and two songs she didn’t feel suited her. “I can learn a song like that (she clicks her fingers) but I just didn’t feel right singing them.”

So who would Amy like to win the X Factor competition?

“It’s got to be Alexandra. She’s an amazing girl and from day one she was a good friend, especially while we were doing auditions. I got on well with JLS as well.”

Since Amy waved goodbye to the X Factor, she tells me she’s been keeping pretty busy.

She recorded her debut single We Could Be The One on November 17 and says “from then on it’s been all go.

"It’s been hectic but really fun and what I’ve done in such a short space of time is amazing.

“I signed my recording contract on the night of the light switch-on at the Harlequin Shopping Centre.” Amy says of the occasion: “Even just to be asked to do that was a bit surreal. I can remember watching the lights switch-on a couple of years ago with a friend and then there she was back there watching me.

“Afterwards I was chaperoned through the Harlequin and did two hours signing autographs.

“All this came about because of the X Factor, so I’ve got to say a big thank you to them. I got in contact and said thanks very much to the team as they were very supportive and lovely.”

Music promoter Steve Wallis contacted the Watford Observer to get in touch with Amy about joining a touring show and we passed on his details to her for her to consider the offer, so it feels quite nice to be instrumental in her success.

This chance rehearsal for Mod Musical at the Nottingham Theatre Royal brought the former X Factor hopeful a record deal with Sharp Records.

“I auditioned for the show but I said to them it was not my cup of tea. I’d love to do a show in the future but for now I want to concentrate on my singing.”

As well as the Scottish jaunt, Amy will be doing radio interviews to promote the song next week and other engagements before returning to the Harlequin for another appearance early in the new year.

“it’s all rush, rush,” says Amy. “After the light switch-on I was off to Nottingham to see the producers and listened to Jordan Milner’s song and I said I want that one. It’s funny because the girl singing on it really sounded like me. I’m recording another song next Saturday and then I’ll be working on an album for next year. The songs are being written as we speak.”

And it’s not all cover versions either, as Amy is shaping her songs herself.

“It’s all my input. I can say what I want on it.”

She’s certainly a girl who knows her own mind is our Amy. What’s more apparent up close is how much her vulnerability mixed with determination makes for a winning combination. With Amy what you see is what you get.

“I’ve always gone with my own thing and never been one to follow fashion,” says Amy. “My dad always says wear a skirt but I say ‘no dad. I need to be comfortable in what I’m wearing or I can’t be comfortable singing’.”

All those who watched should get behind our local girl - you never know - given time she could well be the next Geri Halliwell.

Details: www.myspace.com/amyconnellymusic or to pre-order text Amy to 81088.