X Factor star reveals jaw-dropping 16 stone weight loss after Simon Cowell branded her a 'flump'
Infamous X Factor wannabe Emma Chawner has proudly shown off her 16 stone weight loss, 17 years after her first-ever audition on the reality singing competition. Emma, now 35, first appeared on the hit ITV talent show in 2007 when she was just 17, where her family stormed the audition room to confront Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh when they rejected her.
Since then the former TV star has gone on to shed the pounds, confirming that she did it all herself and denied any help of a gastric band during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine back in 2019. More recently, she posted some incredible 'before' and 'after' shots on her Instagram account, saying: "5years down and 16st 4 lost im still losing it but very slow now." Fans were quick to praise her, saying things like: "Fantastic, you look amazing," and "You look so beautiful and pretty! Please remember weight can not be defined by age, weight, or gender. Your beauty has always shined through! I'm glad to see you! Bless you love!"
Emma explained to host Lorraine Kelly, who initially tried to help the family lose weight, that the trigger for her weight loss was due to the death of her dog and stress from her parents splitting. Sadly, her 73 year old mum died in her sleep back in January. Emma told Lorraine: "No one's pushed me to do it, I've done it all myself. I was always out of breath and diabetic."
READ MORE:Horoscopes today: Daily star sign predictions from Russell Grant on October 19
READ MORE:Doctors warn Covid XEC's six symptoms emerge in a specific order
She blasted critics who claimed she had had a weight loss procedure and explained at the time how she wanted to lose some more weight: "I'm happy with how I am and it's not far to go."
Sign up to OK!'s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free
Despite facing brutal rejection in her first audition, Emma returned two years later to perform alongside her sister, Samantha – who married earlier this year – when she once again received four no's from the judges. Cheryl told her upon her return in 2009: “Emma, I have to say, you’re definitely more confident when you’ve got your sister with you. But nothing else has really improved unfortunately.”
Following her attempt at singing stardom, Emma and her family appeared on Lorraine Kelly’s Big Fat Challenge in a bid to slim down.
After stepping out of the spotlight, she lost more weight, explaining to her fans: “Thank you everyone for your support. I did a 30 day detox last month and lost 11lbs. My secret has been no snacking and drinking plenty of fluid.”
Before being helped by a weight-loss team including nutrition and fitness experts on Lorraine's show, Emma insisted that her bigger size was down to genetics. She explained: “It’s not because of what I’ve eaten. It’s because of the genes in my family. Mum’s big, dad’s big, my sister’s big. No-one’s thin in our house.”
