A singer who is set to perform in the final of a prime-time talent show paid a visit to her hometown and treated fans to a surprise performance.

Lauren Bannon-Hayes, aged 27, visited Weymouth on bank holiday Monday to film her homecoming video tape, which will feature in Saturday’s final of The Voice.

As part of her visit, Lauren performed to some of her biggest fans in Rendezvous on St Thomas Street.

Her friends and family were among those who gathered at the bar to watch her perform one of her original songs called Empire as well as a cover of Zayn’s Pillowtalk.

Lauren was joined by an ITV film crew, who filmed her intimate performance and the ecstatic response from the audience.

Speaking before her performance, Lauren said: "I feel like Superwoman, it's so wonderful to get this kind of support and backing from my hometown. This has been such an incredible journey and probably one of the best moments of my life. You never know how people are going to feel about what you do.

"I love my hometown. I love playing here. I love Weymouth. I can't thank you all enough."

On Saturday, Lauren is set to perform two songs - one on her own, and with her coach – superstar Olly Murs.

Lauren said she has already rehearsed with Olly Murs in preparation for their performance and added: “It's mad. I am still pinching myself. I can’t believe I am in the final. I can't wait to perform with Olly. He never behaves like a superstar. He never makes you feel small or that he is more important than you.”

Lauren’s wife Bex Bannon-Hayes said it has been great for her partner to visit her hometown and see her family and friends.

Paul Bannon, Lauren’s dad, said: “It has been quite a long journey for Lauren. To see her get to the final of The Voice is fantastic, whatever happens she will be able to take something from this and make it work for her.

“She will continue to do what she loves. It’s in her blood.”

Lauren said she chose to perform in Rendezvous because the team has always supported her music career and offered her gigs in the past.

Keith Treggiden, general manager at Rendezvous said: “We always believed in her and we are proud to have been part of her journey.

“We wish her well and hope the whole of Weymouth and Dorset gets behind her.”

Lauren was propelled into the final following an explosive performance of Phil Collin’s ‘In The Air Tonight’ on the show last Saturday.

She will be up against some stiff competition from the likes of Donel Mangena, Ruti Olajugbagbe and Belle Voci.

If you've been watching the latest series of The Voice and think you have what it takes to follow in Lauren's footsteps, then you can audition in Weymouth this summer.

Auditions will be held at The Gloucester on Friday May 4 from 9pm to 11pm and at Finns on Saturday May 5 from 11am to 1pm. For more information visit the pubs' Facebook pages.

"She's been our favourite from the start"

Lauren also treated a young fan to an exciting selfie while afloat in Weymouth Harbour.

As part of her homecoming video tape, Weymouth Bay Rib Charters agreed to take Lauren onto one of their rib boats, where she met Amelia, one of her young fans.

Weymouth Bay Rib Charters posted a picture of the pair in life jackets on their Facebook page.

Ben Taylor of Director of Weymouth Bay Rib Charters said: “We were very honoured to have a local star of The Voice - Lauren Bannon-Hayes - on board today. Lauren agreed to take a selfie with my daughter Amelia as part of her video tape intro for the final of the voice.

“Weymouth Bay Rib Charters would like to wish Lauren the very best, because she has always been our favourite from the start. We are so happy Lauren is bringing a big boost to Weymouth.”

Lauren said: “It is nice to know people like what I’m doing. It’s always great when a little girl comes and asks you for a picture.”