X Factor's Aiden Grimshaw unrecognisable 15 years since appearing on show
Aiden Grimshaw, who appeared on The X Factor back in 2010, looks completely unrecognisable now, 15 years since he wowed the judges on the popular ITV talent show
Aiden Grimshaw is barely recognisable 15 years since appearing on The X Factor alongside One Direction. The fresh-faced hopeful captivated the celebrity judges on Simon Cowell's TV talent show back in 2010, when he boldly covered Kanye West's smash hit Gold Digger in his audition, without a backing track. Louis Walsh branded the then-18 year old "absolutely brilliant", Nicole Scherzinger said "I love your voice" and Simon Cowell added, "You're one of the best we've found, certainly in Manchester and possibly – in your category – throughout the competition."
Progressing week by week not only with 1D but also Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissel, Cher Lloyd, and eventual victor Matt Cardle, gap-year student Aiden secured a respectable ninth position.
Following his X Factor stint, Aiden signed a deal with record label RCA, releasing his debut single Is This Love, which peaked at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart. He then dropped his album Misty Eye, hitting number 19.
In 2018, Aiden revealed he'd been using the alias Butterjack to release music, only to then steer back to his original name. In 2023 it was announced that he'd signed a new deal with a Dutch record label.
Aiden now looks so different from his clean-shaven, quiff-haired X Factor days, often sporting a beard on his Instagram page and most recently appearing with a moustache and tousled hair.
A week ago, he talked about writing more songs, alongside a picture of himself playing a guitar. The singer told his 19k followers: "Back to it, 20 consecutive days of sun. 13 days of coughs. 6 songs written - Nearly 2 bank holidays. 1 europa final loss. A fresh bill of health a new month - new music exciting new things. Mays been a ride."
Aiden has also opened up about his regrets of not fully capitalising on the opportunity The X Factor presented him with back in the day.
Speaking to the Metro, he shared his reflections, saying: "My only regrets about the show are that maybe didn't shoot as hard as I could have in some of the aspects afterwards because of trying to be cool. Now, I would just go for everything because why would you not do that? That's so stupid. But I enjoyed it."
He also talked about the pressure of the show, continuing: "'There was a lot of pressure to find what to do and my not wanting to be uncool stopped me from exploring all paths and being out there."
Aiden was romantically linked to Cher Lloyd during his time on The X Factor, and talked about his bromance with Matt Cardle. The pair were said to spend all their time in the house chatting and making each other cups of tea. Aiden said: "Matt and me are really good mates, he's a great bloke. We've got a really great bromance going on."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
38 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
How Cat Deeley's 'casual' and 'daring' dress sense is causing a stir with This Morning viewers as she takes a style departure from the traditionally buttoned-up breakfast host look
From knee-high boots, glamorous halternecks and risqué cut-out jumpers to silky blouses and wide-leg jeans... it's safe to say that Cat Deeley's This Morning wardrobe is quite different to her predecessor Holly Willoughby's. Prior to leaving her role of 14 years, Phillip Schofield 's co-star was famed for her eternally revolving wardrobe of demure dresses and cute pencil skirts - typically accompanied by tights and sophisticated heels. But Cat, 48, has ditched such formal styles and opted for a more relaxed approach. One of her first ensembles when joining Ben Shephard on the ITV Daytime show was a pair of skinny jeans, an almost unfathomable fashion faux pas during Holly's tenure. The stiletto heels were also ditched, with the Birmingham host leaving them to collect dust in the dressing room while she presented the show in knee-high leather boots. Viewers initially appeared to give such down-to-earth looks a positive thumbs up across social media, with one commenting: 'Love Cat's outfit, definitely a combo we can all relate to,' while another added: 'I'm liking Ben and Cat's more relaxed look...' However, lately, Cat's casual wardrobe has raised eyebrows as she embraces more revealing garments - including halternecks, one-shouldered tops and daring cut-outs. The adventurous looks are a far cry from the more formal attire usually sported by breakfast presenters, with the likes of Ruth Langsford, Alison Hammond and Lorraine Kelly preferring a uniform of midi dresses, blazers and smart blouses. On Monday, This Morning fans suggested Cat's outfit, featuring an elegant black, sleeveless top that was clasped together in a cross at the front paired with sleek red trousers, was more for a 'night out or a beach bar'. The TV star - who's married to presenter Patrick Kielty - accessorised with gold jewellery and wore her hair down in loose waves. However, the stylish outfit failed to impress some fans, who felt it looked 'unprofessional' for daytime programme. Taking to X, one viewer wrote: 'Cat obviously still in her clothes from a night out #thismorning,' while another added: 'Cat - you're not having a day at the beach love. Dress like a professional at work. #thismorning.' While someone else penned: 'Has Cat come straight from a beach bar? Bizarre choice of outfit #ThisMorning.' '#ThisMorning Cat looks like she's been out lol,' a fourth viewer wrote. Back in April, This Morning fans were once again left seriously distracted by Cat 's striking outfit. Many gasped 'what is she wearing?!' just minutes into the show as the 48-year-old and co-host Ben interviewed Deepa Paul, who has written a book about navigating her life with a husband and boyfriend. While Deepa opened up about her relationship to the pair on the sofa, many were left distracted by Cat's chosen footwear. The presenter opted for a white and green long-sleeved mini dress with a pair of tan-coloured Isabel Marant Lophie canvas knee-high boots folded down. Many rushed to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their thoughts on chosen footwear. 'What is Cat wearing on her feet? #thismorning,' questioned one fan, while others asked: 'What are those?' and 'Why has Cat got paper bags tied around her ankles #thismorning.' 'I have just noticed Cat is wearing the Scarecrows boots from the Wizard of Oz! #thismorning,' another person joked. Cat was last seen wearing the shoes on the programme during an episode in May 2024. The star looked incredible in a stylish cargo minidress and quirky rope knee high boots as she hosted the show. It's not the first time that fans have rushed to social media to discuss Cat's outfit choices. The previous month, viewers claimed the TV star was 'showing more skin than usual' as she sported a stylish knitted £29.50 M&S off-the-shoulder top with wide-legged trousers. One unimpressed fan posted on X: 'Will someone dress Cat with decent clothing.' Another said: 'Cat, straighten your top.' Just weeks before that others pointed out her striking two-piece androgynous suit, which she wore with a white shirt and a grey tie with a pearly white pin. Viewers initially appeared to give such down-to-earth looks a positive thumbs up across social media, with one commenting: 'Love Cat's outfit, definitely a combo we can all relate to,' while another added: 'I'm liking Ben and Cat's more relaxed look...' The presenter pictured wearing a white and green long-sleeved mini dress with a pair of tan coloured Isabel Marant Lophie canvas knee-high boots folded down Cat's low-budget wardrobe has been praised by fans; on one of the presenter's Instagram posts of her outfits, which she captioned with the hashtag 'Cat's Closet', a viewer commented: 'Love your looks, a lot more affordable than others'. The statement ensemble divided opinions, with one person writing online: 'Has Cat got a job interview later?,' while another said: 'Who on earth is styling Cat Deeley?! #ThisMorning.' However, not everyone was against the outfit, as they took to X to applaud her look. 'Blimey! Cat means business this morning #thismorning,' wrote one fan. 'Can Cat Deeley wear suits more on This Morning please', insisted another, while a third added: 'I'm obviously in the minority, but think Cat looks great in her suit. Love that look and she carries it off beautifully'. Even Cat's co-star Ben has previously questioned the host's wardrobe after she appeared on screen in March last year wearing a pair of brown floral printed flared trousers, which he compared to 'an old sofa.' Speaking ahead of her show, Lorraine cut to the This Morning studio to ask what they had coming up. Ben joked: 'Can we just enjoy the extraordinariness of Cat Deeley's trousers today? She's gone into her mum's caravan and nicked the curtains!' 'That's so rude, we're not making Sound of Music, you know!' she hit back. 'We could, though!' Ben responded. Later on Ben took the opportunity to compare Cat's trousers to a sofa, with some viewers agreeing. One fan even insisted on X: 'Sack the stylist. Cat's outfit is horrendous.' Unlike Holly, who used her private stylist Danielle Whiteman on the show, Cat uses ITV's own fashion experts David O'Brien and Rachael Hughes, who have also dressed her co-stars Josie Gibson and Alison Hammond. While her predecessor favoured designer items, Cat has won fans over by wearing brands such as Zara and John Lewis . Holly and her stylist have worked together for years and Ms Whiteman now helps the TV star's lifestyle brand Wylde Moon. During her 14 years on This Morning, Holly would regularly wear clothing from the likes of Ted Baker, LK Bennett and Jaeger. But Cat's low-budget wardrobe has been praised by fans; on one of the presenter's Instagram posts of her outfits, which she captioned with the hashtag 'Cat's Closet', a viewer commented: 'Love your looks, a lot more affordable than others'.
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Emmerdale star announces shock pregnancy after ‘clues' in soap as co-stars rush to congratulate her
She has been a staple character in the soap since last year BABY JOY! Emmerdale star announces shock pregnancy after 'clues' in soap as co-stars rush to congratulate her CONGRATULATIONS are in order because an Emmerdale actress is expecting a baby. Georgia Jay, who has played the role of Steph Miligan in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale since 2024, has announced that she is pregnant. Advertisement 3 Steph Miligan actress Georgia Jay announced her pregnancy on Monday night Credit: ITV 3 Danny Miller, who plays Aaron in the soap, has reacted to the news Credit: ITV 3 Fans spotted Steph wearing 'baggy clothes' in a clue on the soap before the announcement was made Credit: ITV Sharing some snaps of her blossoming bump online, Georgia revealed the news. In the Instagram caption, she penned: "As you've probably guessed, I've got some news to share! "I know some of you have been wondering if you've been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it's not your imagination... "I'm having a baby," she exclaimed. Advertisement The soap star went on: "We've never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support." Her co-stars rushed to the comments section to congratulate her, with Danny Miller in a state of shock as he said: "What?!!!!!!!" Lisa Riley added: "You absolute beauty…. BUMPALISHOUS BABY!!!!" Brad Riches penned: "CONGRATS XXX LOVE YOU!" Advertisement And Michelle Hardwick wrote: "Beautiful Mama." Fans on Reddit were quick to share the clues they had spotted that Georgia was pregnant in recent weeks. Horrifying moment Emmerdale legend has nasty fall - leaving him struggling alone at home "The baggy clothes were for a reason," said one person. Someone else wrote: "I actually wasn't convinced until I saw the TikTok Bradley (lewis) posted. Advertisement "Then she confirmed it on Instagram and I'm like huhhh I didn't even notice." In Emmerdale, Georgia's character of Steph has had a prominent storyline of late. She arrived in the Dales as the daughter of established characters Caleb played by William Ash and Ruby played by Beth Cordingly in 2024. Her first appearance aired in November and she has been a regular cast member since, Advertisement The character of Steph has been embroiled in a shocking storyline that saw her discover that she is the daughter of incest, since Ruby was historically abused by her father as a child.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Emmerdale star announces shock pregnancy after ‘clues' in soap as co-stars rush to congratulate her
BABY JOY! She has been a staple character in the soap since last year CONGRATULATIONS are in order because an Emmerdale actress is expecting a baby. Georgia Jay, who has played the role of Steph Miligan in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale since 2024, has announced that she is pregnant. 3 3 3 Sharing some snaps of her blossoming bump online, Georgia revealed the news. In the Instagram caption, she penned: "As you've probably guessed, I've got some news to share! "I know some of you have been wondering if you've been seeing a little bump on screen lately… well, it's not your imagination... "I'm having a baby," she exclaimed. The soap star went on: "We've never been so excited and a little nervous all at once. Thank you for all the love and support." Her co-stars rushed to the comments section to congratulate her, with Danny Miller in a state of shock as he said: "What?!!!!!!!" And Michelle Hardwick wrote: "Beautiful Mama." Fans on Reddit were quick to share the clues they had spotted that Georgia was pregnant in recent weeks. Horrifying moment Emmerdale legend has nasty fall - leaving him struggling alone at home "The baggy clothes were for a reason," said one person. Someone else wrote: "I actually wasn't convinced until I saw the TikTok Bradley (lewis) posted. "Then she confirmed it on Instagram and I'm like huhhh I didn't even notice." In Emmerdale, Georgia's character of Steph has had a prominent storyline of late. She arrived in the Dales as the daughter of established characters Caleb played by William Ash and Ruby played by Beth Cordingly in 2024. Her first appearance aired in November and she has been a regular cast member since, The character of Steph has been embroiled in a shocking storyline that saw her discover that she is the daughter of incest, since Ruby was historically abused by her father as a child.
