X factor exposed? New TV documentary examines claims of off-screen bullying
Devastating accusations about ITVthe long-running series The x Factor be broadcast in an upcoming television exposé.
The Mail on Sunday has learned that two well-known production companies are working on the potentially scathing program, which will include claims of bullying, exploitation and intimidation that, according to former participants, took place when the cameras were not rolling during the now-defunct 17-year rule of the show as one of the UK’s most watched programmes.
A number of X Factor stars have already agreed to participate, as has at least one from the creator and judge Simon Cowell‘s assistants who no longer work with him.
A source said: ‘There are currently some former contestants telling their stories for the program. There are those who believe they have been mistreated by the X Factor machine.
“They now have the chance to have their say. But what worries Cowell and ITV even more is that there are some of his former lieutenants who are willing to break their silence about what happened.”
While the network on which the show will appear has yet to be confirmed, it will likely be well watched.
The program comes six months after The Mail on Sunday revealed that five former X Factor stars had taken legal action against Cowell, alleging they were not receiving adequate care while competing.
Former finalist Katie Waissel claimed last year that she was sexually assaulted by a member of the reality show team
Several former stars have already agreed to reveal what happened behind closed doors, including one of Simon Cowell’s assistants who no longer works with him. Pictured: Scarlett Lee performs in Winter Wonderland, supported onstage by her mentor Simon Cowell
Sources say attorneys representing Cowell have spent the past year working on the claims — which are believed to relate to personal injuries.
Meanwhile, former finalist Katie Waissel last year claimed she was sexually assaulted by a member of the reality show team.
Another former participant, Rebecca Ferguson, 36, filed a police report for harassment and coercion against a high-ranking male figure in the industry. She says she was targeted while building her career after coming second on the show in 2010.
And last year, Fleur East, 34, who came second in the 2014 series, claimed that Cowell had effectively “put her on a shelf” after releasing one album.
At its peak, The X Factor drew 14 million viewers and featured celebrity judges such as Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Cheryl Tweedy, Dannii Minogue, Mel B, and Robbie Williams. It also proved to be the launch pad for bands like One Direction, Little Mix and JLS. The X Factor brand became a huge success around the world, where the format was franchised.
Cowell has struggled to recreate the show’s early success. Walk The Line, a new game show created by Cowell’s company Syco Entertainment, and shown by ITV last December, proved a ratings flop, with reports claiming the second series had been discontinued.
Obviously, many contestants felt mistreated by the show and ready to break their silence. Sources close to Cowell have said in the past that the X Factor team went “above and beyond” to ensure the contestants were looked after
ITV has also been rocked in recent years with revelations about two of its other reality shows.
The Jeremy Kyle Show was canceled after 17 series in 2019, following the death of a guest whose performance was filmed the week before.
The Love Island dating show sparked 1,500 Ofcom complaints over bullying claims in July.
Sources close to Cowell have previously insisted that the X Factor team went “above and beyond” to ensure the contestants were looked after.