X Factor hopeful Katie Waissel has run into controversy just days after appearing in the first programme in the series.

The Jewish singer from north London, who claimed to be a part-time receptionist with no musical experience to speak of, has in fact recorded music under the name Lola Fontaine and earlier this year released a jazz-inspired song collection.

Under the name Katie Vogel, she also starred in a hit online reality series called Green Eyed World, which followed her as she pursued her career in America.

And Ms Waissel, who has played the piano since she was five, has even written with musical icons including Chaz Jankel, of Ian Dury and The Blockheads fame and the Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock.

Her experience may be a breach of the rules for X Factor contestants.

The 24-year-old, who went through to the next round despite a No vote from Louis Walsh, sang Queen’s "We Are the Champions" in her audition.

Dressed in the style of a 1980s Madonna, she convinced the judges after singing "At Last".

Last year’s finalist Stacey Solomon also performed the Etta James classic and then released it as her debut single.

In January Ms Waissel told the JC “that if Etta James and Freddie Mercury had had a love child, that would be me.

“Music is where my heart lies.”

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "If she has a current deal then she would be in breach of the rules."

Read the JC's interview with Katie here

Watch Katie audition here