AMELIA Lily Oliver last night made history by becoming the youngest ever contestant to make it to the final of the X Factor.

The 17-year-old from Nunthorpe broke down in tears after being told she had got through, later telling viewers: “I literally can’t believe it - I’m so happy.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for me - thank you so much.”

Last night her dad, Barry Oliver, told The Northern Echo of his “unbelievable pride” at his girl’s achievement.

He said: “To be in the youngest contestant ever to make the final is unbelievable. A dream come true, absolutely. But it’s what she deserves. She has worked so hard.”

Amelia, who attended school in Eaglescliffe, Stockton, sang Motown classic Aint No Mountain High Enough on Saturday.

The singer ditched her trademark pink hair and won praise from the judges for her powerful rendition of the song, Tulisa Contostavlos saying she had “brought Motown to life.”

Amelia has spoken publicly about the fact her father has been forced to put the family plumbing business, JG Oliver & Son, into liquidation.

She hopes a win on the X Factor would solve her family’s financial problems.

She said: “It was tough to see my dad working extremely hard to try and keep the business going for the rest of the family...I would love to win this for my dad and my family and just show them all their support had paid off.”

Mr Oliver, originally from Birtley, South Tyneside, said reading those words had brought “tears to my eyes.” He said: “I was unaware that she’d talked about that and it really moved me. It’s been a tough time. I’ve worked day and night, 24/7, but other people I worked with have gone bust. To see my Amelia grow so massively and do so well has been an immense boost. Nobody could be prouder.”

Mr Oliver is working to establish a new company.

Amelia was reinstated on the show after rival Frankie Cocozza was alleged to have boasted about taking drugs.

Also making it through to the final was girl group Little Mix, including South Shields’ pair Perrie Edwards and Jade Thirlwall.

They will be joined by Marcus Collins after Misha B was told she had received the fewest votes on last night’s live semi-final show.