X Factor's Sam Callahan unveils unusual new career that's a far cry from his music days

Daily Mirror

21-07-2025

Former X Factor contestant Sam Callahan has drastically reinvented himself and his career since his 2013 appearance on the hit ITV talent show
Former ITV star Sam Callahan has taken an unexpected turn since his days on The X Factor as he has swapped the stage and spotlight for rifles and rural land.
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The former pop hopeful, 31, who competed on the 2013 series of the hit ITV talent show which made stars like Little Mix and One Direction global stars, has built a varied and surprising career path, with his latest role placing him firmly in the British countryside and away from the stage.
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The Essex native has made a huge change in his career path, moving from singing live on national TV to running his own pest control and wildlife management business. In a recent Instagram post, Sam revealed he now works as a marksman, offering professional pest solutions across rural Essex.
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He recently posed in full camouflage, holding a 12ft/lbs air rifle, captioning the shot: 'Putting the @jack_pyke gear to the test, with some great shooting out on the farm today. Good quality 'get up' breeds good performance if you ask me.'
Sam has said that his company focuses on ethical and precise pest control, targeting small game using rifles on farmland and estates.
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As part of the venture, Sam has also partnered with a local butcher to reduce waste and is transforming pests like pigeons, rabbits, and partridges into food.
'Proud to be turning pest control into a real food resource and reducing waste whilst helping landowners manage their properties,' he shared in a recent post on Facebook.
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While this marks a huge shift from his early career in music, Sam hasn't completely stepped away from the microphone. Last week, he performed a live set at Bournemouth Pride, belting out fan favourite covers including Prince's Purple Rain and Robbie Williams' Rock DJ.
However, that's not his only talent or accolade as over the past decade since appearing on the X Factor, Sam has explored many different careers.
The former ITV star has worked as a personal trainer, raced cars in the GT4 Supercup series, and he also runs a mobile car tuning business around Essex.
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Every festive season, Sam also takes on roles in local pantomimes as he hopes to keep his performance skills sharp and maintain a connection to his showbiz roots.
Despite no longer being a household name, Sam still maintains a loyal fan base thanks to his stint on The X Factor. He regularly releases topless calendars for fans and continues to interact with his large audience online.
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During his time on The X Factor, Sam was mentored by Irish music mogul Louis Walsh and became known for his charm and good looks, despite the fact he was eliminated after performing Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls.
The former singer recently got engaged to his long-term girlfriend and veterinary nurse Charlie and it seems that Sam has settled into his new and much quieter lifestyle.