Remember the celebrity version of The X Factor in 2006? This is who won it… and why it was swiftly dropped by Simon Cowell
It's a relief this only aired for one series
THE X Factor has become a Saturday night staple over the years – but chances are, you won’t remember this cringe-worthy spinoff show.
In 2006, ITV producers ran a special edition of the popular talent show, which was known as The X Factor: Battle of the Stars.
In this bizarre series, nine celebrity acts battled it out in an eight-day-long singing competition, where they could raise money for their chosen charities.
Oddly, the judging was carried out by Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh – who are still working together three years later.
Unlike the traditional X Factor series, the celebs didn’t have to audition for their places as they were all fast-tracked straight through to the live shows.
One of the best singers in the competition was soap actress Lucy Benjamin, who was known for playing Lisa Fowler in EastEnders.
After impressing the public with her renditions of Last Dance, Walking on Sunshine and Put Your Records On, she scooped first prize in the competition.
Other contestants included Coronation Street’s Nikki Sanderson, rugby union player Matt Stevens and radio DJ Chris Moyles.
All of the celebrities on The X Factor: Battle of the Stars in 2006
- Lucy Benjamin (1st place)
- Matt Stevens (2nd place)
- Chris Moyles (3rd place)
- The Chefs: Jean-Christophe Novelli, Aldo Zilli, Paul Rankin and Ross Burden.
- Nikki Sanderson
- James Hewitt and Rebecca Loos
- Michelle Marsh
- Gillian McKeith
- Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee
It’s safe to say that the standards weren’t as high as the traditional X Factor competition, as viewers were tormented by the painful warbling of some of the hopefuls.
Gillian McKeith left ears ringing with her rendition of I Just Want to Make Love to You while Rebecca Loos constantly clashed with judge Sharon Osbourne.
Shortly after the show was axed, Simon Cowell told The Sun that the show was “pointless” and claimed: “We are never going to do it again.”
After watching back some of the toe-curlingly awful clips, we have to say we agree with the music mogul on this decision.
