Dubliner Mary Byrne is through to the next round on the British talent show "X Factor" despite the fact that she was struck down by a mysterious virus during the week. The former supermarket worker credits her Irish fans with her success this week.

Byrne received the longest and loudest standing ovation on Saturday night having performed the James' Brown hit "It's a Man's World" (see video).

Speaking to the Irish Independent she said "I know the Irish people are behind me. I just want to thank them for all the voting they have done for me, and the Tesco people all over the UK for supporting me.

"Isn't it beautiful that an ordinary hard-working woman from Ireland of 50-years-of-age can be in this position?"

Two of the judges Cheryl Cole and Danni Minogue picked Byrne when they were asked to pick their stand-out performers from the first live show of the 2010 "The X Factor".

Minogue joked "There's something about Mary."

Byrne said "I feel like I'm walking on a cloud. I feel fantastic. My message to the people of Ireland who voted for me is that every little bit helps and I am so grateful to them for loving me. I promise I will do my best to carry on and win."