Veteran singer Renee Ansell had to crawl up on to the stage to perform in front of Simon Cowell.

Instead of lending her a hand, the judge of TV's The X Factor looked on as the 81-year-old struggled up the stairs, breathless and disconcerted.

When she did finally perform for a place in the live finals, Cowell, famed for his harsh put-downs, gave her short shrift and booted her off the show.

Although she enjoyed her stint on the programme, Renee is disappointed not to have ended on a better note.

She said: "My heart sank when I saw the steps as there was no rail.

"Although I am fit and active, my legs and knees are worn out.

"Without a rail, the only way I could get on stage was to crawl. Simon asked me if I was all right and I think he thought I had stumbled.

"When I got to the stage I was breathless and not with it for a moment but I had to sing straight away."

Renee, of Rutland Road, Hove, launched into one of her favourite songs, Gershwin's The Man I Love, to try to impress Cowell and fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh. But she knew her performance was not the best.

She said: "When I saw myself on TV later I could hardly recognise the song. I wasn't myself.

"I was disappointed I wasn't able to give a better version and show what I could do.

"I did not expect to win. There were plenty of young dolly-birds around who have a much better image than me.

"It would have been better if the researchers had let me sing in front of the stage or at least given me a chance to prepare myself before singing.

"Simon did not say very much and I think he never really wanted me all along.

"When I first auditioned, all three judges were there and I think they were surprised. Sharon told Simon that at last they had heard someone with a proper voice.

"He probably assumed I was going to be a bit of a nutcase but was surprised I could sing."

Renee, who has two great-grandchildren, is a Frank Sinatra fan. She also enjoys modern music by the likes of Sussex acts Keane and Fatboy Slim but prefers original Pop Idol winner Will Young.

Renee said she had thoroughly enjoyed her time in the spotlight despite her experience on her last night.

Regulars at the fabric shop where she works in Hove have told her how much they enjoyed seeing her on the show.

She said: "Apparently I've been mentioned on the Richard and Judy show and on Loose Women, although as I'm working I never saw them myself.

"My family have been very supportive, although they are used to me performing."

Renee, who is a great aunt to glamour model Jordan, is continuing with her regular performances at the Royal British Legion and the Rendezvous Casino at Brighton Marina.

She began singing more than six decades ago and entertained troops during the Second World War.

She has recently cut her first CD, filled with the jazz music she loves, and is hoping her moment of fame will increase bookings.