Ella Henderson – who managed sixth in last year’s X-Factor – is living in London while she works on her debut album. Her parents, however, are in police custody after their arrest for money laundering. Police arrested the X-Factor star’s parents yesterday, which puts the young hopeful’s career at risk, especially considering her father is also her manager.

A neighbour, who decided to remain anonymous, said: ‘There were police everywhere with cars and flashing blue lights. It was obviously a big raid. Sniffer dogs were out around the house as well. I feel sorry for Ella because this is going to affect her career. She has worked so hard.” Another neighbour said: “This is a quiet, sleepy village. It is hard to understand what is going on.” Officers left after searching the properties for up to seven hours, it has been reported. Humberside Police said: “Officers executed warrants at two addresses in Tetney with the assistance of Lincolnshire Police. “A 49-year-old woman was arrested in Tetney and taken to Grimsby police station to be questioned in connection with money-laundering offences. The singer has previously spoken about the influence of her family, saying: “Having my father around me, that will keep me grounded."

Ella HendersonWill Ella Henderson be doing this for money?

She might be re-thinking what kind of influence they have, should they be found guilty in this investigation. Still, as they say, no publicity is bad publicity. Having said that, this definitely sounds like bad publicity. She has been in the studio this month working on her album with songwriters including Mark Owen of Take That.