AS popular talent contest The X Factor returns to our screens, the Guardian decided to catch up with some of our borough's past reality televison show stars.

A NUMBER of Waltham Forest residents have become reality television sensations in recent years.

Perhaps the most famous is Daniel Evans who made it to the live final of last year's X Factor.

Mr Evans, whose family founded the Goldline Cars taxi company in Leytonstone, reduced panellists Cheryl Cole and Danni Minogue to tears when he told them of the death of his wife Jacqueline.

Mr Evans' crooning performances were regularly dismissed by judges Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh.

He was branded a “pub singer” and likened to tubby comedian Ricky Gervais, but the 38-year-old's performances struck a chord with the public.

Mr Evans is now recording an album of covers in north Wales.

Former Highams Park school pupil Austin Drage also performed strongly.

The 22-year-old was tipped by some to win the competition, before being voted off, to the surprise of Mr Evans, with whom he had formed a bond.

Big Brother in 2007 brought Carole Vincent to the wider public's attention.

A well-known anti-war campaigner locally, Mrs Vincent reached the final stages of the programme.

Looking back she said: “I didn't think I would win because of my age, so I didn't have any expectations. I think younger contestants have expectations of fame and, wealth and celebrity, whereas I didn't.

“If you are not the winner being taken up with magazine deals it can be hard. You are treated like a celebrity and get mobbed in the street, but without any of the money.

“It is a risk doing a reality show because you don't know how you will be portrayed. But I don't regret going on it because I never regret anything and take the opportunities that come along.

“I had a great time, made some really good friends and it gave me opportunities I wouldn't have had.”

Carole is currently job hunting but still continues with her campaigning and charity work, which she says is helped by having a recognisable name.

Other Waltham Forest reality television stars include Snakey Sue, who appeared on Britain's Got Talent, and more recently, Karen O'Neil, of Chingford, who appeared on business entertainment show Dragon's Den and successfully persuaded retail guru Theo Paphitis to invest £100,000 in her company, which makes “dry” ice skates.