X Factor's Rebecca Ferguson now - toxic abuse claims to Zayn Malik romance
Rebecca Ferguson was named the runner-up on The X Factor more than a decade ago - and has been vocal about her time in the music industry since.
The 37-year-old singer found fame in the competition in 2010 when more than 17 million people saw her finish behind Matt Cardle and ahead of One Direction. She has continued to be a household name, and in 2023, she performed on Eurovision when it was held in her hometown of Liverpool.
She's had four top 10 albums, tied the knot and started a family, and has bravely voiced the 'terrible experiences' she went through whilst making music. Last year, she called for more safeguarding for people on reality TV and in the music industry after speaking out about the toxic side of the business.
Rebecca claims she was manipulated and abused by senior music moguls (rebeccaferguson__/Instagram)
She is now a mum-of-four and welcomed a new baby last year (Instagram)Rebecca claims she was "mentally manipulated, bullied and abused" after the ITV show. She said her life became hell when she fell out with two high-powered figures in the music industry.
In December, she revealed to the Mirror that Simon Cowell personally apologised for not stepping in as she was bullied. The Heaven singer revealed: "I did have an apology from Simon. He invited me to his home in Holland Park and said he was sorry for the way I had been treated, and he wished he had stepped in sooner to ensure I was looked after." She said she started shaking when he asked her what she went through.
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Rebecca recalled: "He said, 'I can tell this is distressing you. These people have been bad to me, too, and I'm sorry I allowed it to happen and sorry I didn't step in'. For a moment, I accepted his apology. He shook my hand and said, 'We will sort it out'. I think it was his way of trying to calm the storm. But no one apologised to me publicly."
The singer added: "I don't want to be completely negative. I don't hate Simon. I don't hate the people who have mistreated me in the industry, maybe they just don't know better. But I think it is always important to call out bullying and injustice."
She wed sports agent Jonny Hughes in 2023 after seven years together (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Ascot Racecourse)
She has had four top 10 albums and performed at Eurovision last year (Getty Images)A source said at the time: "Simon and his team have always been supportive of Rebecca and acted to help her when there was no professional obligation to do so. Simon has taken more steps to offer support and generosity to artists than most, if not all, of his contemporaries."
After the final of The X Factor aired in 2010, Rebecca and former One Direction member Zayn Malik struck up a romance before going their separate ways four months later. Looking back on their relationship, Rebecca told the Metro in 2020: "At the time I found it really hard.
"But I mean, in context there were bigger things going on in the world, but at the time - I think I was 23, it was a bit upsetting. But life goes on and I look back with fond memories of that relationship and I just think it's part of learning and growing as a person."
In 2022, Rebecca announced her engagement to sports agent Jonny Hughes, after seven years together, writing on Instagram that "dreams can come true". In December of that year, the couple tied the knot in London's Mayfair. She wrote on social media: "And just like that she went on to live happily ever after! Surprise!"
Rebecca has four children, two with her ex-boyfriend Karl Dures - Lillie, 18, and Karl, 16 - and Arabella, eight, from a later relationship. Last year, she secretly gave birth to a baby with Jonny on Valentine's Day. Taking to Instagram, she posted a snap of the tot's hand and said: "Surprise! Turns out I can keep a secret."
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