Lights, Camera, Melodrama!

"Ordinary, Overweight, Mission Impossible" - Body Shamed On X Factor

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Episode notes

When Samantha Reay auditioned for The X Factor in it's inaugural year in 2004, nothing could have prepared her for the body-shaming she experienced from the panel who labelled her "ordinary", "overweight" and "mission impossible". Told to "go on a diet", it later emerged that Sam was pregnant.

After the clip of her judge's critique went viral on Twitter in January 2019, a pandora's box was reopened for Sam, who had to experience the power of social media and infamous X Factor auditions first hand. With her audition put under the melodramatic microscope, Sam reveals what we didn't see on camera, as well as the lasting effects from her time on the show.

WATCH SAMANTHA'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0vvKv5K3Ks

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If you've been affected by any of the issues in this episode and need support, you can call Beat - a charity for those affected by body image issues and eating disorders - 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or visit their website for further resources.

• Presented and produced by Rory Boyle
• Theme Music by Dominic Gozo
• Artwork by Miss Gloria