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Ben Foden slammed The X Factor as ‘terrible TV’ and said it was ‘on the way out’ before signing up to celebrity version

BEN Foden slammed The X Factor as "terrible TV" on Twitter - before signing up to sing on the Celebrity version himself.

The 34-year-old rugby ace, who split from Saturdays star Una Healy last year, even insisted the show was "on the way out".

 Ben wasn't always such a fan of The X Factor
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Ben wasn't always such a fan of The X FactorCredit: Rex Features
 He once insisted it was 'terrible' and 'on the way out'
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He once insisted it was 'terrible' and 'on the way out'

However, his prediction proved wrong with the show returning to the airwaves - albeit in a new celebrity-based guise - this Saturday.

It was a 2011 episode of the programme that Ben took particular exception to, tweeting: "Did Nicole Scherzinger just Meow????? Very weird???"

He added: "X factor seems to be on the way out... terrible TV."

However, he appears to have changed his tune enough to star on the show himself, appearing in a rugby-themed group called Try Star.

 Ben is singing on The X Factor with Thom Evans and Levi Davis
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Ben is singing on The X Factor with Thom Evans and Levi DavisCredit: ITV
 The rugby hunks showed off their abs at the X Factor: Celebrity house
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The rugby hunks showed off their abs at the X Factor: Celebrity houseCredit: Rahul Bhatt

Ben will sing with Thom Evans, also 34, and Levi Davis, 21 - all of whom have played the sport at a national level.

Thom is known outside rugby for once being in a relationship with Kelly Brook, while Ben split up with wife Una after it was revealed he'd cheated on her.

Last year, The Sun exclusively revealed how Ben Foden had a fling with a PR girl behind Una Healy’s back.

The Try Star boys yesterday stripped off for photos at the £5 million mansion that contestants are calling home.

 On a bed with wife Una Healey in 2017 before they split
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On a bed with wife Una Healey in 2017 before they splitCredit: Rex Features
 Ben playing for England against New Zealand in 2013
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Ben playing for England against New Zealand in 2013Credit: Getty Images - Getty

The 8,000-square-foot property - dubbed Celebrity HQ - boasts stunning views of the city from virtually every room.

The X Factor: Celebrity isn't the the first time Ben has showed off his singing skills.

He earned himself a well-deserved standing ovation when he performed John Legend’s All of Me on a League of Their Own in 2017.

Ben Foden confesses he'll always love ex-wife Una Healy and regrets cheating


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