IT was hysteria like Colchester has never seen before, when X Factor heart throb Matt Cardle came to town. Thousands of female fans worked themselves into a frenzy ahead of the 27-year-old Essex boy’s homecoming gig for hit ITV show X Factor.

Screams and chants of “we want Matt” and “Matt in a hat” could be heard in Cowdray Avenue last night when the painter from Little Maplestead arrived at Charter Hall with show mentor Dannii Minogue.

Good luck banners, homemade posters and balloons lined the red carpet, as the crowd revelled in their second home-grown X Factor star in as many years.

In scenes similar to last year when chart-topper Olly performed at Charter Hall for his homecoming gig, thousands of excited people lined the red carpet outside Colchester’s leisure centre.

Despite outbreaks of torrential rain and a wait of more than an hour, the near frenzied crowd let nothing dampen their mood.

As the star-in-the-making kept them waiting, musical outbursts rippled through the masses: “We love you Cardle, we do, oh Cardle we love you!”

Unsurprisingly it was mostly the ladies who had come out to see Matt, with schoolgirls, mums and grans alike admitting they have a “massive crush” on the modest star.

When Matt finally arrived, he managed to shout a quick hello to brother Dom, before being swamped by friends and family.

He revelled in the warmth and support, before signing T-shirts and autographs for his adoring fans.

Dannii Minogue brought a touch of glamour to the evening, in a leopard print coat, bright red lipstick and a classic white dress.

Matt looked overwhelmed by the waiting photographers, reluctantly posing for pictures before taking to the balcony to watch a fireworks display put on for the evening.

Addressing the crowd briefly, he said: “I’ve got friends and family out there and I’m overwhelmed by all the support – I’m going to stop talking now before I start blubbing.”

* FIVE-PAGE SOPECIAL IN TODAY'S GAZETTE