Weybridge gets the X-Factor

Anchor Retirement Housing resident Phyllis Lloyd, 93, received a visit from X-Factor winner Steve Brookstein.

The star of the hit ITV show was filming in Surrey as part of a special report for GMTV. He visited the scheme in Weybridge as part of National Volunteer Week.

Steve, from Mitcham, spent the day helping Phyllis along with Friends of the Elderly visitor Jennifer Rose, who is based at the charity’s office in Walton-on-Thames.

Phyllis was initially told an Atomic Kitten would be interviewing her but she said she was glad it was Steve.

“I was bewildered at first. I didn’t know what to expect as I’ve never been on TV before.

“I hate my photograph being taken, but when you get professionals in they know what they are doing and I was surprised I didn’t feel nervous despite 10 people being in my living room.

“But Steve was marvellous. He made me a cup of tea. I thought it was all going to be pretend for the cameras, but it was a very good cup. I’d give it 8 out of 10.”

“ Steve and the producer were very impressed with the set up here at Anchor and thought I was a natural. Not bad for a 93-year old.”

The GMTV report aired on Friday 3 June.