X Factor winner, Louisa Johnson, has released an apology after ‘homophobic’ Tweets resurfaced.

Miss Johnson, who was born and raised in Thurrock, became the youngest singer to win the X Factor when she beat Reggie ‘n’ Bollie in 2015 aged just 17.

A few years prior to this massive win, 14-year-old Louisa shared messages on Twitter about her friends, using a derogatory gay slur.

In one post, on March 24, 2013, she called somebody called Fynn a “f****t” because he had “pink hairdryer”.

After the Tweets were rediscovered, Louisa, who is set perform at Brighton Pride this year, apologised in a Twitter post.

On Thursday, March 29, Louisa wrote on her Twitter account: “When I was a school girl, I made some inappropriate remarks on Twitter.

“I was young and foolish, and hanging around with the wrong crowd and I didn’t know any better.

“That’s not an excuse, it’s an explanation.

“I’m sorry for the comments I made at that time on Twitter.”

Louisa felt like she needed to use her platform as an internationally recognised singer to speak out against homophobia.

She added in her apology: “I think it’s important for me to speak out about this and say that I don’t think it is right or appropriate for anyone to use derogatory language at any time or at any age – no matter what the circumstance.

“I am a completely different person to who I was at the age of 14, and I am a huge supporter of the LGBT community.

“I have a lot of young fans and I know I can use my voice for a message of positivity, inclusion and equality.”

Louisa, who is now 20, has recently released a single called ‘Yes.’