X Factor star Emma Chawner has spoken of her pride at losing 13 stone in weight after being branded a ‘flump’ by Simon Cowell in her audition.
Back in 2007, Emma took a shot at stardom and applied for the talent competition, performing My Heart Will Go On in a gown made by her dad.
She faced horrific backlash after she was fatshamed in her audition – with Simon Cowell labelling the 17-year-old a ‘flump’, mocking her dress, causing her mum and dad to storm into the audition to have a go at them when they said no.
Afterwards, she was targeted by trolls, who called her family ‘scroungers’ for claiming £290,000 in benefits between them over the years.
But appearing on Lorraine, the 29-year-old shocked the host, who said she’d ‘got her spark back’ after previously meeting her when she was first trying to lose weight.
Emma beamed that she had turned her life around, explaining she was now working as a professional childminder, which helped her walk up to six miles a day to keep her healthy.
She’d also turned around her diet and lifestyle as she began to focus on feeling better in herself – after stress of her parents divorcing and her beloved dog dying providing the final catalyst she needed.
‘I’ve done it all myself this time, noone’s pushed me to do it,’ she said. ‘I weren’t healthy, I was always out of breath, my asthma got worse, and I ended up diabetic as well.’
‘I’ve still got a bit to go. I want to get down to 12 stone at least,’ Emma admitted, as Lorraine praised how far she’d come since they last saw each other.
Remembering her time on the X Factor, Lorraine slammed Simon’s behaviour and said: ‘I don’t think what happened to you would’ve happened again today.’
Lorraine airs daily at 9am on ITV.
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