It has been reported that The X Factor will return for a one-off special for Comic Relief this Friday, March 17. The return will be in the form of a comedic skit, with Dermot O’Leary and former X Factor contestants said to be taking part.
We have decided to take a look back at every North East based contestant who competed on The X Factor. This list only includes contestants who made it to the live shows.
1. Joe McElderry
South Shields born Joe won The X Factor in 2009 at only 18 years old. During his time on the show, Joe was mentored by fellow Geordie Cheryl and performed with George Michael. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
2. Jade Thirlwall and Perrie Edwards
Jade and Perrie both from South Shields won The X Factor in 2011 in the girl group Little Mix. The group were orignally named Rhythmix but had to change their name during the show. After The X Factor Little Mix went on to become one of the biggest girl groups of all time. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
3. Lola Saunders
Lola from East Boldon competed in the 2014 series of The X Factor. She was mentored by Cheryl during the show but was sadly eliminated, leaving in 10th place. | YouTube Photo: YouTube
4. Sam Lavery
Sam Lavery from County Durham competed in the 2016 series of The X Factor. Sam got quite far in the competition before being eliminated in 7th place. Now, Sam is a DJ and radio presenter for Captial North East. | YouTube Photo: YouTube