POP Idol's Zoe Birkett returns to London today after an extended festive holiday in the North-East.

The 17-year-old had been hoping to spend the new year with her friend and fellow singer Gareth Gates.

But instead she stayed in Darlington, inviting friends round to her mother's house to see in the New Year.

After a hectic year, Zoe's mum Tracey said it was nice for her to take a week off and catch up with her pals.

She said: "She loved it.

"It was nice for her to spend some quality time with her friends and family."

Among Zoe's Christmas presents were a mobile phone and lots of clothes.

But her favourite present was a mini tape recorder to help her remember new ideas for songs.

Tracey said: "It is for when she thinks of something, so she can just speak into it and that will help her.

"She got lots of nice presents and she's been spoiled rotten really."

Although Zoe was not able to spend New Year's Eve with her friend Gareth, who she speaks to every day, she still had a great time surrounded by her friends at a party in Darlington.

Now she is preparing for a hectic round of public appearances to promote her debut single, Treat Me Like a Lady, which is due for release on Monday.