JAMIE Archer was in Rochdale last night to perform his first gig since leaving the X Factor.

The rocker, whose distinctive hairdo earned him the nickname Jamie Afro, switched on the town's Christmas lights (after performing a 20-minute set including hits by The Killers.

The former pub singer, dressed last night in a leather jacket, rock T-shirt and jeans, told the crowd of hundreds in Rochdale town centre that he was happy to be gigging again.

Danish band Alphabeat, best known for hit song 'Fascination', kicked off the evening's music.

There were also appearances from Fizz, of children's favourite The Tweenies, stars of Rochdale Football Club, and the cast of the town's Curtain Theatre Group's production of the musical, Rent.

Jamie, 34, who was voted out of the TV talent show on Sunday, also sang Kings of Leon's 'Sex On Fire', a track which helped him make it through to the X Factor live shows.