A Norwich woman who has made it through to the televised auditions of the X Factor - even though her act is not a singing performance - has vowed to plant a kiss on the cheek of Irish judge Louis Walsh.

Donna Africa, whose real name is Donna Thompson, from Sprowston Road, Norwich, has received word from the show's producers she has made it into the Manchester auditions after she was able to impress when the X Factor came to Norwich earlier this month.

She will now be heading to the north west next month, dressed in her Zulu warrior outfit, in the hope that her Sangoma Performance Poet Act – Asimbonanga will impress the show's judges which include Gerri Halliwell, Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.

Ms Thompson said she is delighted to have made it through but does not yet know what the celebrity judges will make of her act - which showcases her creative art talent rather than her singing prowess.

However there is one judge at least who she hopes to make an impression on. She said: 'They asked if I fancied Louis and I said yes, I love the Irish accent and think he's very cute and would love to give him a cheeky kiss.

'I'm going to write a poem that I can go up and do for him - I'm going to give him a cheeky kiss.'

The model, actress, dancer and poet, who moved to Norwich six years ago to be closer to her family after living in South Africa, admits she does not expect to win the competition but wants to help encourage others to follow their dreams.

She said: 'I don't expect to win because I'm not singing. I'm not going to win it but my ambition is to showcase creative arts and written talents.

'I think it's great if you're blessed with a good voice, but I wanted to showcase and highlight people like myself who write poems.

My Performance Poem Act 'Asimbonanga' is about my journey in realising my African dreams and one to inspire others to believe and realise their dreams.'

As previously reported Ms Thompson, who has previously auditioned for another hit ITV1 show, Britain's Got Talent, was originally asked to audition in London after sending the show a video of her Sangoma Performance Poet Act – Asimbonanga.

But she could not get to London in time and so auditioned at the Forum, complete in Zulu dress, and made it through to the second stage where she impressed enough to make the televised auditions.

Have your talents earned you national recognition? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk.