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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Olivia Williams

X Factor stars from Liverpool and where they are now

The X Factor was one of the biggest shows on TV and many people who starred on the programme were from Liverpool.

Several contestants have now gone onto international fame, including Little Mix, One Direction and Leona Lewis. Many people from Liverpool appeared on the hit ITV show, but there was never a winner from the city.

But this doesn't mean the Liverpool contestants were not successful, with some carrying on their musical careers and others pursuing different avenues altogether. The X Factor came to end in December 2018 after being on our TV screens for 14 years.

READ MORE : Paddy and Christine McGuinness confirm separation

From Rebecca Ferguson to the LMA Choir and Ray Quinn there's been a whole host of talent showcased on the programme. So here's what some of the most memorable Scouse contestants are up to now.

Anthony Russell

Anthony Russell affectionately known as 'Tighto' appeared on X Factor several times. He first appeared on the ITV talent show in 2007 when he auditioned as a fresh-faced 17-year-old aspiring star.

In 2017 he returned to the show - but he was forced to leave the competition for personal reasons, citing his addiction issues as the main problem. He ended up going to rehab, before being personally mentored by Louis Tomlinson and returning to the show in 2018.

In 2018 he reached the final of the show, placing third overall. In 2019 he pulled out of the X Factor live tour after relapsing into his addiction.

But after fighting back against his issues again he went on to perform several live shows. On his Instagram page back in February, Anthony said he was working on releasing new music.

He also headlined the Summer Family Festival in Knutsford where he performed new music from his debut album.

LMA Choir

Robbie Williams and LMA Choir (Liverpool Echo)

The LMA Choir, formed by students and graduates from the Liverpool-based specialist media and performing arts college, stormed the X Factor in 2018. The 14-strong group were led by LMA Creative Director Steph Wallace Carr.

During their time on the X Factor they were mentored by Robbie Williams and one of their most memorable performances was their rendition of "The Circle of Life" from The Lion King.

The group were knocked out in the second week of the live shows, but have stayed together. Now the group regularly perform at award shows and private events, they have also featured on a song on Robbie Williams Christmas album.

Tom and Laura

Tom and Laura during the six chair challenge for the ITV1 talent show, The X Factor (Syco/Thames/Dymond/PA Wire)

Tom and Laura stormed onto the X Factor in 2016 and won over the nation with their love story and incredible voices. The couple got to Judges Houses but lost on on a place in the live shows when Mentor sent them home in favour of controversial act Ottavio and Bradley.

Since leaving the competition four years ago the couple have gone from strength to strength and are still very much in love. The pair also still regularly gig together all around the country. In the past few years they have toured Park Dean resorts around the UK and performed several shows elsewhere.

Rebecca Ferguson

Rebecca reached the final of the competition in 2010 and is arguably Liverpool's most successful contestant. Her distinctive voice won over the judges, and she got several standing ovations from them during her time on the show.

Since leaving the show Rebecca went onto release several albums and performed live shows all over the world.

Her album Superwoman was critically acclaimed and reached the UK top ten. Singer, songwriter, campaigner and Ivors Academy director Rebecca Ferguson has worked hard to highlight the bullying and exploitation that's followed throughout her career. Such experiences have led Rebecca to become a vital voice and key driver for change in the music industry.

Actively campaigning for a safer environment for artists and songwriters, Rebecca's work has led to her collaborating with Creative UK and the DCMS on visible codes of conduct to help eradicate toxic workplaces for those in music and beyond - with independent support and help being made available in ways never seen before.

Ray Quinn

X Factor contestant Ray Quinn (Ayrshire Post/Daily Record)

Ray got through to Judges Houses by the skin of his teeth back in 2006 and was put through to the live shows. He quickly became a fan favourite and during the semi-final he performed a moving rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

In the final he missed out to Leona Lewis but became very successful despite not being crowned winner. He released a number one album, performed in a number of West End Shows, won the 2009 series of Dancing on Ice and has had theatre performances up and down the country.

Ray landed a role in Hollyoaks in 2018, but left in 2019 when the right wing storyline he had been involved in came to an end. In 2020 Ray is looking to make a return to music, reportedly in talks to record and release a new album.

When the pandemic hit, Ray had a drastic career change, working for delivery service Hermes. At the time, he told the Mirror "I just didn't want to sit around and feel sorry for myself."

Since then, he has also worked as a carpet fitter in the family business with brothers Darren and Robin. But has returned to the limelight. In August he will be touring and Ray will perform songs by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr "and much more", and will visit other cities including Bolton and Basildon.

Chris Maloney

Chris divided opinions on the show with Louis Walsh branding him “bland and boring” - but the former cruise ship singer won over the audience and he got through to the live shows.

Chris got the most public votes for seven weeks in a row, before his luck ran out in week 10 and he left the show. Since the X Factor Chris has started up his own theatre school and performed many gigs across the UK.

Chris has appeared in several pantos throughout the UK and also took part in the 2016 series of Celebrity Big Brother.

Marcus Collins

Marcus Collins, made famous by X Factor, enjoying Grand National Day at the Grand National Festival at Aintree Racecourse today (Liverpool ECHO)

Marcus Collins appeared on the show in 2011 and managed to get through to the live finals - where he came runner-up to Little Mix. Since leaving the show Marcus released an album and his single 'Seven Nation Army' reached number nine in the singles chart.

He has also had a successful career in London's West End, starring in Kinky Boots and Hairspray. In 2019 he appeared in the UK tour of Hair the musical.

Recently Marcus announced he will be joining the cast of Mrs Doubtfire UK playing Andre.

Craig Colton

Craig Colton (ITV)

Craig got through to the live shows of the competition in 2011 and his cover of Adele’s Set Fire to the Rain on Halloween week brought the house down. Craig finished sixth in the competition.

In 2016 he appeared on Loose Women after shedding the pounds and said he was turning his attention towards a career in songwriting. He has written songs with Robbie Williams and according to his Instagram attended the Brits with Warner Music.

Kiera Weathers

Kiera Weathers (Thames/Syco/Fremantle Media)

Kiera wowed judge Rita Ora with her version of Show Me at judges houses in 2015. Kiera got through to the live shows but finished 11th in the competition.

Since leaving the X Factor Kiera has performed a series of gigs in her Liverpool hometown and across the UK. She is also releasing her album Now or Never on July 29.

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