X Factor alumni reunited: Who found fame... and who returned to obscurity

By Mail Online Reporter

Remember us? (L-R) Former X Factor finalists Ben Mills, Eoghan Quigg, Same Difference, Stacey Solomon, Rhydian Roberts, Rowetta Satchell and Lloyd Daniels


After the seventh series of X Factor kicked off over the weekend, fans will be waiting to see if the judges discover any superstars of the future.

But anyone that has watched the series from its start in 2004, will know that for every Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke there is a Steve Brookstein and Leon Jackson.

Sometimes the runners-up end up doing even better than the winner - with now-defunct opera boy band G4 and JLS being just as big, or if not, bigger than the act which beat them

As a new list of unknowns come to the fore to find fame on the new series, contestants such as Stacey Solomon from last year, or Series Five finalist Eoghan Quigg are still seeking chart success.


In a fun new photoshoot, former contestants from all series of the X Factor join forces to remind the public they're still around.

Leading the shoot is glamorous blonde Stacey Solomon, who landed in a respectable third place last year.

Stacey SolomonFrom: A single mother from Dagenham, Essex

Series: Six (2009)
Placing: Came third place to Olly Murs (second) and Joe McElderry (first)


All grown up: Stacey posing in a gold outfit in Heat magazine, and performing in a sweet outfit on The X Factor


Famous for: Her lovable personality and rambling exclamations of excitement.

Where are they now?: Performed at various concerts across the country, including Transformation Trust at London's O2 and recorded a song for the RAF’s 70th anniversary album.

Lloyd DanielsFrom: Student from Treharris, Wales

Series: Six (2009)
Placing: Fifth place to Danyl Johnson (fourth), Stacey Solomon (third), Olly Murs (second) and Joe McElderry (first)

Famous for: His blonde-haired, piercing blue eyes

Where are they now? Is currently recording his debut album and has performed over 100 gigs across the UK and Spain in the past year.


Teenage heartthrobs: Lloyd Daniels (left) and Eoghan Quigg won the votes of teenage girls throughout the country


Eoghan QuiggFrom: A schoolboy from Dungiven, Ireland

Series: Five (2008)
Placing: Came third place to JLS (second) and Alexandra Burke (first)
Famous for: His romance with fellow contestant Diana Vickers
Where are they now?: Eoghan was dropped from RCA Records after disappointing sales of his first eponymous named album. He admitted he only recorded it in 10 days. Now finished school at 18, Eoghan is writing his own songs and hopes to land another record dela in the future.

Same DifferenceFrom: Brother and sister duo Sarah and Sean Smith from Portsmouth

Series: Four (2007)
Placing: Third place to Rhydian Roberts (second) and Leon Jackson (first)


Same Difference: Brother and sister Sarah and Sean Smith came fourth in the 2007 series of The X Factor

Famous for: Being described as 'two of the most annoying people I've ever met' by Simon Cowell at their audition. Dividing the critics over their cheesy, smiley-smiley routines.

Where are they now? After signing a deal with their mentor Simon Cowell's SyCo label, their debut album Pop sold over 180,000 records in 2008. They are now regulars on the holiday camp and cruise circuit and release a new single Shine On Forever (Photo Frame) later this month.

Rhydian RobertsFrom: Singer from Powys, Wales

Series: Four (2007)
Placing: Second place to Leon Jackson (first)

Famous for: His white hair and theatrical opera-pop performances

Where are they now? His first album Rhydian went double platinum and he releases his third in February 2011. After a sell-out solo tour last year, he is joining the War Of The Worlds musical European tour later this year.


Luscious locks: Rhydian Roberts (left) and Ben Mills were both famous on The X Factor for their hair


The full interview is in the new issue of Heat magazine, on sale today


Ben Mills

From: A singer/songwriter from Whitstable, Kent.

Series: Three (2006)

Placing: Third place to Ray Quinn (second) and Leona Lewis (first)

Famous for: His good looks and long hair

Where are they now?: Has set up his own record label Benjamel Records, released his second album Freedom this year and married long-term girlfriend Melissa last year.

Rowetta SatchellFrom: Former Happy Mondays backing singer from Manchester
Series: One (2004)

Placing: Fourth place to Tabby Callaghan (third), G4 (second) and Steve Brookstein (first)

Famous for: Her eccentric personality - described as 'barking mad' by Simon Cowell and strong, powerful voice

Where are they now? Hosting a show of Gaydio Radio with Ozzy Osbourne's nephew Terry.

Hoping to work with Black Eyed Peas rapper Will.i.am in the future.


source: dailymail