The mum of X Factor’s Jamie Afro has admitted that her son lost hope and almost quit singing back in 2006.

Jeanne Archer told The News of The World, that Jamie became discouraged after only eight people turned up to a gig and stopped performing for three months.

Jeanne said: “Jamie had a gig in Croydon and because he doesn’t own a car he had to go on the train.

“It was raining and freezing, and he was soaking when he arrived after carrying all his equipment. His hands were so cold he couldn’t play the guitar.

“He called me and said: ‘This is sh*t. I’ve had enough of being skint. I’m quitting.”

Jeanne added: “It was demoralising when he travelled a long way to a gig and only eight people turned up to watch – and that has happened.”

Jamie went on to make money through bar and promotional work until his brother, Stephen, persuaded him to give singing another go.

“The boys have always supported one another in their music,” Jeanne said. “They have a saying to keep them motivated. ‘Whatever life throws at you keep going. Don’t give up.’

“After months of Stephen reminding Jamie of this something clicked and he stopped moping around and returned to his music.

“It was a turning point, and he’s worked with more focus ever since.”