One Direction, Leona Lewis, and Little Mix have all been part of the X Factor’s list of international superstars, but it’s not always the winners who become famous.
Although not everyone who performed well on the X Factor became famous, some of the performers did so themselves.
Leona Lewis, Little Mix, Alexandra Burke, Louisa Johnson, Leona Lewis, and other artists who made a name for themselves in the music industry after winning the talent show. However, some auditionees who couldn’t even make it to the live performances quickly gained popularity.
And yet, eight years after the show’s conclusion, some performers continue to go viral online. Some famous actors quickly gained fame while performing iconic lines like “I’m doing it for my nan” on television, and some even managed to win over former judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.
We at the Mirror are sad about the absence of any word from the X Factor, but we thought we might share some of the most memorable contestants who didn’t make it to the show.
Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has seemingly left the original Sussex Squad members and moved on to new friends. She has become a well-known UK face and a Stateside movers and shakers.
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Jessica Mulroney was the first friend Meghan called when Harry proposed(Image: Jessica Mulroney/Instagram)
Jessica Mulroney was once at the heart of Meghan Markle’s Sussex Squad, but years after their friendship crumbled, rumours began to swirl about the former best pal’s plan to author a “tell-all” book about their relationship.
Influencer Jessica is not the only friend to be seemingly cast aside by the the Duchess of Sussex, with her friendship group massively changing over the past decade.
The 44-year-old mum-of-two’s current friends include actress Mindy Kaling, singer Katherine McPhee and her former Suits co-star Abigail Spencer, but what happened to the old ones? We take a closer look at five well known “casualties”…
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Jessica Mulroney
The 45-year-old Canadian fashion stylist was the first friend Meghan, who lives in California, called when Harry proposed, and her daughter Ivy was a bridesmaid on the big day. But when Jessica was later accused by a Black fashion influencer of using her white privilege to try to derail her career, her best pal was seemingly quick to distance herself.
Mother-of-three Jessica apologized to Sasha Exeter after she was cut adrift by her ex-friend, and their relationship seems to have ended. The Duchess of Sussex can appear rest assured because Jessica says she is “absolutely not” working on a memoir, despite the fact that more than £750, 000 reportedly being offered to the star to dish the dirt on her famous friend.
Millie Mackintosh
Meghan, a TV star, and Millie Mackintosh from Made in Chelsea met while traveling in England before finding her prince. Millie introduced her new friend to contacts back in her native city, London, at a hotel event in Turkey, where the two women first met.
Millie claims to have bonded over dating issues, while Millie claims to have split from her first husband, rapper Professor Green, the same year. The two were photographed together at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire in 2016.
Millie snubbed, however, as Meghan began to date Harry. Later, the actress explained that when she sent a message offering her well-wishes, she received an “abrupt” reply.
Millie remarked in fact, “I never heard from her again.” She basically told me to f*** off in that message, I thought. I did as I did.
Priyanka Chopra
actress Priyanka regularly appeared on Meghan’s Instagram feed following their initial introduction at an Elle Women in Television event in January 2016. This is a true sign of friendship for any celebrity. They then watched the well-known musical Hamilton together on Broadway.
“You know when you meet someone and click right away” Meghan remarked. When we are both in the same town, we make an effort to see each other.
But while the 42-year-old was a guest at her friend’s wedding to Prince Harry in May 2018, the friends appeared to have parted ways soon after. Priyanka was noticeably absent from Meghan’s baby shower in New York in February 2019.
Von Westenholz Violet
Former Olympic skier Baron Piers von Westenholz is a close personal friend of King Charles and his daughter befriended Meghan when she was working as press relations director for Ralph Lauren. The PR director, who has been pals with Prince Harry since she was a teenager, got to know the Duchess when she organised a publicity day for the clothing brand at Wimbledon tennis tournament.
Violet, 42, is even rumoured to have played matchmaker for Harry and Meghan, speculation she has refused to confirm or deny. “I am just happy they are really happy,” she told The Daily Telegraph. “They are great together.”
The two women haven’t reportedly spoken in conversation since that interview, which took place six years ago.
Stassi Schroeder
Stassi started to gain notoriety on the hit reality TV series Vanderpump Rules, but rather as a “Sussex Supporter” rather than a full-fledged member of the Sussex Squad. The mother-of-two quickly established herself as Meghan’s “number one fan” and gained a sizable following on social media.
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While the Duchess’s Netflix lifestyle show With Love Meghan was lampooned by some critics, Stassi defended it on Instagram. “Anyone complaining about this like they’re expecting this to be something they can relate to, that’s not the point,” she said.
Stassi, 37, was later removed from the list when, in contrast to other lifestyle influencers, Meghan’s lifestyle brand As always provided PR gifts. It’s safe to say that she wasn’t well taken.
We’ve compiled the best children’s clothing for the new season, including purchases from F&, F and M&, and S.
We may link to affiliate links in this article, but we will make money off of any purchases we make. more information
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Best kids clothing for autumn 2025 including F&F and M&S buys from £9(Image: Mirror)
It’s the ideal time to update your children’s wardrobes with cozy, practical pieces that are built to last as the weather cools.
This year’s fall kidswear trends focus on comfort, layering, and incorporating fun and playful details to give your kids a sense of personality.
And to do this, you don’t need to break the bank. Parents will be pleased to know that retailers like F&F, Matalan and Marks & Spencer have plenty of stylish options from warm outerwear to mix-and-match basics and cosy accessories.
These affordable autumn purchases, starting at just £9, combine style and function perfectly with practical after-school purchases or weekend-ready outfits.
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SPENCER and MARKS
This pure cotton one from Binky’s range is comfortable enough for everyday wear while still looking stylish. A boilersuit is the ultimate throw-on-and-go piece for kids. The one-piece design eliminates fuss when getting dressed in the morning, and the long sleeves and strong material are ideal for cooler autumn days.
Here, SHOP THE LOOK: £30 Pure Cotton Boiler Suit.
F&F
F&, F’s outerwear makes layering simple in the fall. On crisp mornings, grommets and gilets are ideal for tucking into jumpers, and the barn jacket adds a little warmth to the classic heritage look. Both are warm enough to play while remaining warm enough.
SHOP THE LOOK: Shop at your local Tesco or online here
JOJO MAMAN BEBE
JoJo Maman’s kids’ jumpers combine comfort and practicality in one fabric for the colder months. They’re cozy, soft, and cozy, making them ideal for weekend trips, schoolwork, or just being outside during the day.
The 32-pound Natural Stegosaurus Dino Checkerboard Hooded Borg Jacket, SHOP THE LOOK, starts at $ 32 here. Right: Blue Chunky Cord Trousers from £21 and Cream Big Flower Hooded Fleece Jacket from £34 here.
WHEAT
No fall wardrobe would be complete without a few chunky knits, and Wheat’s pullover jumper is perfect for it. Keep your kids warm all winter long by layering over t-shirts or under coats.
This item is called SHOP THE LOOK: Jacquard Pullover Knit, priced at £39.95.
MATALAN
Your children will need everything for the new year’s epoch in Matalan’s autumn kidswear, from graphic hoodies to cool cargos and cozy borg jackets. The collection makes it so simple to wash, affordable, and suitable for everyday wear for your children.
Joe McElderry, the X Factor winner, has revealed the key words a music legend gave him and the odd moment a fan hurled a live animal at him on stage.
A former X Factor winner was left stunned after a concert goer launched a live animal at him on stage. Joe McElderry, who was crowned the winner of the ITV talent show in 2009 – beating Olly Murs to the title – has revealed the surprise moment a goldfish was thrown at him during a festival performance.
The 34-year-old singer is currently on a short tour in his native north east before panto season and revealed the bizarre moment that happened in Ireland. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Joe said he thought it was a football at first.
I once played a concert in Ireland, Joe admitted to us. Because this large-looking football object flew over and landed right next to the other side of the stage where I was, I thought someone might throw a football, like, at the event.
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Someone actually chose to throw a goldfish in a bag at the stage after it had been won. And the stage was merely a goldfish in a bag. Although the unfortunate thing did survive, I believe a member of the security team or something attempted to take it home.
It was certainly a moment he would have never expected after being crowned the X Factor winner 16 years ago. But, while his journey has seen a number of ups and downs, Joe is continuing to enjoy every moment. He admits that throughout it all he has continued to follow the key advice George Michael gave him as a 19-year-old ready to cut his teeth in the industry.
He claimed that the Careless Whisper singer had instructed him to “focus solely on being a brilliant singer and performer.” He continued, “Everything else is noise, the record label, the many positive comments, the negative comments.” He said, “Be brilliant, and you’ll never go wrong.” I kind of made a mistake by trying to concentrate on the other things. Just pay attention and pay attention. “
And he once more follows that advice while on his tour with him. With new numbers, audience participation, and an eclectic mix of tunes from the past, he has promised his fans a show they’ll never forget.
He acknowledged that, by his standard standards, it is a very short tour and that he didn’t intend to go on one because he had itchy feet “earlier in the year.” It features cover favorites from my albums, new material from my previous performances, as well as new material and covers, Joe said, referring to what to expect. It’s essentially a combination of everything, therefore.
It kind of touches on a lot of the musical genres I’ve touched over the past 15 years, including pop and classical crossover music. So I suppose there is something there is, even though it sounds overused, for everyone.
It’s lovely to be back and it’s a real fun night. It’s amazing to be back playing my own concert after missing out on one since last year’s tour.
Joe is also continuing his well-known podcast That’s Ridiculous with his 91-year-old grandma, which he admits he is grateful to be a part of.
He said, “You know what she’s had an extraordinary life.” She has endured a lot of heartache throughout her life. She also grew up during World War II. She was incredibly young when she lost her parents. And like she explains the foolish things that are currently being discussed, she also has such a way and wisdom to explain it all.
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She says, “She has such a sweet heart and a wonderful sense of humor.” It’s like a perfect blending and seeing the comments people leave online about her and other things is lovely because there are so many conversations about people feeling like they don’t have that connection with the older generation. She merits it.
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According to a source, Laura Anderson continues to have a bad relationship with her ex-boyfriend Gary Lucy, who claims that she “makes it very difficult for everyone to see Bonnie,” their shared daughter.
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The war of words between Laura Anderson and her ex Gary Lucy shows no signs of stopping(Image: Getty Images)
One of the most toxic celebrity splits in recent years intensified last week when it emerged that Scottish reality star Laura Anderson had “bonded” with former partner Gary Lucy’s ex-wife over their “experiences”.
Now a source claims former Love Islander Laura and Natasha Gray are “joining forces” – and are totally unapologetic about it. “Laura and Natasha have bonded over their experiences with Gary and neither of them has anything nice to say,” claims our source. “They don’t see an issue with their friendship. Neither of them are with Gary any more so in their opinion it’s none of his business.”
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Laura, 36, and former Hollyoaks star Gary, 43, split when she was pregnant with their daughter Bonnie, now two. It was rumoured he didn’t want to relocate to Scotland and live apart from his older children.
Despite a brief reconciliation, the two ended things peacefully and have since engaged in a heated exchange of words. Laura had previously criticized Gary for being a “deadbeat dad” and Gary for labeling her as a “narcissist.”
After 14 years of dating, Gary and Natasha split in 2018. Together, they have two sons and two daughters. She is now alleged to be Laura’s “rock.”
According to another source, Natasha allegedly spotted similarities between Laura’s situation and her own, and the pair have since called the soap star “worse than any baddie on TV.” They continued, claiming that Natasha “had a good idea of what Gary would do and how traumatizing it would be for Laura” as a result of her own experience.
The pair certainly seem to have each other’s backs. From one proud hardworking mother to another, writes Laura in a photo of Natasha and her children last week. Our beautiful babies are cherished as siblings. You have been and continue to be my rock. I’m in love with everyone, Bonnie and I.
But is it possible to truly have a friendship with an ex-partner? Friends like these can be “both healing and hazardous,” says Tina Wilson, the creator of the Wingman dating app.
Shared experience, on the positive side, causes instant empathy for both parties. When something is under the spotlight and plays out on social media, someone who has walked in your shoes can provide understanding and validation that others won’t be able to understand, says Tina. There is an incentive for the girls to be close to keep the family units as happy as possible because Gary’s children are involved on both sides.
There are also inherent difficulties, though. The dating expert warns against “old wounds or comparisons can resurface and insettle insecurities,” while blurred boundaries can cause questions about how much should be shared and where loyalty is found. It runs the risk of entangling both women in the past, frustrated, and reliving hurts if the connection is only rooted in anger and unhappiness.
She concludes that having a friendship with an ex’s ex only works if it involves mutual respect and strict boundaries. When done right, it can provide strength and solidarity, but it should always involve moving forward rather than dwelling on the past.
According to our source, Gary worries about what might come after this new friendship and is unsatisfied with it. The source claimed that while he isn’t happy that they are friends, he can’t communicate much with them. He worries that because he is the only thing they share, they are plotting against him. It’s uncomfortable in this way.
Laura responded angrily to Gary’s “narcissist” comment, in which he appeared to claim she “exploits” their daughter to stay “relevant”. On Instagram Stories, she shared what seemed to be a screenshot of her recent messages with Gary, showing she has him saved on her phone as Lucifer.
My ex-boyfriend calls me a Narc, according to Laura, “I discuss issues with the Child Maintenance System in the UK.” She continued, “I wake up to messages like this,” and continued, “Do not feel silenced by bullies.” I’m not the Narc.
Laura had previously publicly claimed in the past that Gary hadn’t seen Bonnie for a while and that she had celebrated a year with her 32-year-old Dundee football player boyfriend Clark Robertson. She added that “co-parenting and financial support didn’t exist,” making it clear that she had been forced to miss work and time with her child.
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However, a source close to Gary told us that while he would prefer to have a relationship with Bonnie, he would also prefer to have one with his daughter, and that Laura has made it difficult for everyone to see her.
Sadly, based on these events, it’s unlikely that this depressing state of affairs will soon come to an end.
His family claims that they are adjusting to “the new normal.”
Money and Lifestyle Assistant Editor Neil Shaw
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On June 18, 2025, actor Eric Dane attends the Harmony Gold premiere of Prime Video’s “Countdown” in Los Angeles.
Eric Dane, a star of Grey’s Anatomy and Last Ship, and his family say they are focusing on getting along with life after getting diagnosed with ALS. The actor, 52, revealed in a statement to People in April that he had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as motor neurone disease, and that his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, 15, and their two daughters, Georgia, 13, are learning to manage their “new normal.” They are also learning to manage their “new normal,” according to Rebecca Gayheart, who spoke at Step Up’s 2025 Inspiration Awards in April.
She continued at the gathering, “We have some professional therapists who are helping us, and we’re just trying to have some hope and do it with dignity, grace, and love.” It’s heartbreaking, really. We are merely attempting to get past the fact that my girls are really suffering. It’s a difficult time.
I kindly request that you grant my family and I privacy while we are recovering from our diagnosis in a statement released shortly.
He addressed the reality of living with the illness in a May interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America, saying, “I wake up every day and I’m immediately reminded that this is happening. Not a dream, really.
Rebecca Gayheart, who wed Eric in 2004, filed for divorce in 2018, but the couple later reconciled. She continued, “I don’t believe I’m in a position where I can pull out a positive nugget.” I’m not yet there. We’re definitely dealing with something that has brought us all together, and whether or not we’re married or not, whether or not we live together, or not, we’re closer, but we don’t like the reason for that.
“I wish there was a cure for this terrible disease. It’s just so depressing, and I hope they find one soon.
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A day after missing his scheduled appearance at the 2025 Emmy Awards and fellow Grey’s Anatomy star Jesse Williams, Eric announced a partnership with the nonprofit I Am ALS earlier this month. He stated in a video message that he was an actor, father, and now an ALS patient. We’ve reached the end of the ALS debate, which has been a cure for over a century. We require the quickest treatment for ALS, so I partnered with them on the Push for Progress. Over the next three years, we hope to achieve a billion.
Together, we’ll renew the landmark law enacting treatment for ALS, grant promising treatments to thousands of ALS patients, and finally, finally, push for the end of this disease, he added.
