Life after X Factor: As the show is axed FEMAIL reveals what happened to some of its unlikeliest stars - from Honey G's short-lived estate agent career to Chico's wellness retreat in Portugal

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It's the show that produced some of the biggest British music acts - including One Direction, Little Mix and Leona Lewis, yet 17 years after first appearing on Britons' small screens, The X Factor has been 'axed'.

On Wednesday evening, it was reported that Simon Cowell, 61, has pulled the plug on the ITV talent show - which launched in 2004 and last aired in 2018 - because he doesn't want it to 'become a bit of a joke.'

And while the programme kicked-off many glittering careers in showbusiness for its winners and runners-up during the height of its fame, there were also a number of unlikely stars that passed through the audition doors and on to the live shows.

From Irish twins Jedward to Chico Slimani, despite never making it to the finals, they've launched their careers off of the back of their X Factor appearances.

But where are these former contestants now? Here, FEMAIL reveals what happened to some of the shows unlikeliest stars...  

JEDWARD

Jedward - aka John and Edward Grimes - are Irish twins who starred on The X Factor in 2009 (pictured), finishing in sixth place while being mentored by Louis Walsh

At the time, their outlandish performances divided opinion. with not everyone being a fan - yet the duo (pictured recently) have gone on to release three albums, including the hit cover Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)

Jedward - aka John and Edward Grimes - are Irish twins who starred on The X Factor in 2009, finishing in sixth place while being mentored by Louis Walsh.

At the time, their outlandish performances divided opinion. with not everyone being a fan - yet the duo have gone on to release three albums, including the hit cover Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby).

Despite being a novelty act, two of their albums went double platinum in Ireland, while they've also represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2011 and 2012.

Following their X Factor appearance, they've had successful TV careers, presenting their own children's television shows and appearing on Celebrity Big Brother. 

However, they've previously posted a string of allegations against the show and the music industry on Twitter. 

'It shouldn’t be normal that all artists have to face the emotional and legal battles when all they wanted to do is sing,’ they posted on their joint account.

They added: 'The biggest regret in life was not telling the judges on X Factor to f*** off. The fact that every contestant has to act like their judge mentors them! When in reality all they care about is their pay cheque!'

CHICO SLIMANI 

Chico Slimane's hit single was one of the catchiest songs produced on the talent show - with 'It's Chico time' a tune that many struggled to get out of their head after first hearing it. Pictured, Chico on the X Factor in 2005

The Welsh-born contestant (pictured in 2019), who spent much of his youth in Morocco where he worked on his father's farm as a goat herder, reached the quarter-finals of the 2005 series of The X Factor

Chico Slimane's hit single was one of the catchiest songs produced on the talent show - with 'It's Chico time' a tune that many struggled to get out of their head after first hearing it.

The Welsh-born contestant, who spent much of his youth in Morocco where he worked on his father's farm as a goat herder, reached the quarter-finals of the 2005 series of The X Factor.

He entertained audiences with his energetic performances - having jumped into judge Sharon Osbourne's pool while still holding a mic - before finishing in fifth place. 

But while his debut single reached number one on the British charts in 2006, his singing career never really took off - and instead he swapped the showbiz lifestyle for a more relaxing role. 

Chico now runs a wellness retreat in Portugal, having launched his own fitness books and classes, titled Block Fit.  

In 2018, he suffered a stroke following a blood clot on the brain but miraculously made a full recovery.

Speaking shortly after the experience on Loose Women, he said: 'You could say I’m a walking, talking miracle. I’m so grateful to be alive. I was in Butlins and I had finished a fitness class. 

'I got in the car and I was on the A3 on the phone to my wife. I was literally losing touch with reality. I said “hun I think I’m having a spiritual experience I will talk to you soon” so I pulled over.

'I thought this was an awakening, an enlightenment, but it was a near-death experience.' 

RYLAN CLARK-NEAL

He's presented Big Brother's Bit On The Side, This Morning, a reboot of Ready Steady Cook and Supermarket Sweep - yet for some, Rylan Clark-Neal will always be remembered for his X Factor appearances (pictured)

The host (pictured on This Morning) auditioned for the ninth series of the talent show and finished in fifth place

He's presented Big Brother's Bit On The Side, This Morning, a reboot of Ready Steady Cook and Supermarket Sweep - yet for some, Rylan Clark-Neal will always be remembered for his X Factor appearance.

The host, who this week has pulled out of another work commitment hosting a pop concert after splitting from his husband Dan last month, almost six years after they tied the knot, auditioned for the ninth series of the talent show and finished in fifth place.

But it was his dramatics after being picked by judge Nicole Scherzinger to appear on the 2012 live shows that arguably made him one of the more memorable contestants.

When told he would be continuing his journey on the show, Rylan sobbed while seemingly falling from the sofa next to an astonished Nicole.

The presenter this week has pulled out of another work commitment hosting a pop concert after splitting from his husband Dan last month (pictured in 2017)

Despite the singer facing criticism from fans as well as head judge Gary Barlow, who famously described him as a ;joke act', Rylan has gone on to have a very successful career as a presenter. 

He won over the nation with a popular stint on Celebrity Big Brother in 2013 before presenting the spin-off show Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and joining the This Morning family. 

However, most recently, the 32-year-old, who is said to be in a 'dark place' after his split from his husband, pulled out of another work commitment this week.

He was meant to be attending the Fantasia concert at Promenade Park in Essex on Saturday and Sunday, but a spokesperson told The Express: 'Unfortunately Rylan is unable to be part of the event this weekend.' 

HONEY G

Honey G, whose real name is Anna Gilford, commanded attention with her outgoing ensembles featuring shimmering tracksuits and caps when appearing on the talent show in 2016 (pictured)

The entertainment act (pictured in 2021), who finished in fifth place, delighted fans with her energetic performances

Honey G, whose real name is Anna Gilford, commanded attention with her outgoing ensembles featuring shimmering tracksuits and caps when appearing on the talent show in 2016.

The entertainment act, who finished in fifth place, delighted fans with her energetic performances.

And while her rapping career didn't hit the big time, it appears the famous phase is still impacting her life after she revealed she'd been dismissed from a new job as an estate agent after just 40 days in 2018.

Honey G was seen looking unrecognisable in November that year, as she ditched her flamboyant stage ensembles for a more conservative look while embarking on her new role at Chancellors in north London.

However, Honey revealed to The Sun that she was fired from her job, explaining: 'They didn’t realise how famous I am... My boss had told me that he was expecting me to give up my music career, which I am obviously not prepared to do.

'Music is my love and passion, and my ambitions are about being a worldwide music artist. I had no intention of being an estate agent long term. I was hoping that a big opportunity for my music career would come in. I do believe I belong on stage.'

While competing on The X Factor, Honey, who was mentored by Sharon Osbourne, became known for always hiding her face behind large sunglasses and a baseball cap, with the star refusing to remove them. 

She had given fans a glimpse at her real identity on an episode of 100% Hotter in January 2018, as she underwent a huge transformation.

On the show, Honey G had claimed that she was hesitant about changing her image, as it's something she has honed over the years and is very particular about.

Although, she did add that her friends are keen for her to embrace her more natural side, as she said: 'Sometimes my friends say I want to see Anna now, not Honey G.'

She continued: 'I never leave my house without sunglasses. I wear my sunglasses in the rain, course I do. I take my image very seriously, so I expect they'll have a challenge on their hands because I'm not easily impressed.'

WAGNER

Former Brazilian P.E teacher, Wagner Fiuza-Carillho (pictured right in 2010) will always be one of the most iconic contestants on the talent show with his frilly shirts and comic appeal

He initially didn't make it to the live shows in 2012 but was brought back as a wildcard by mentor Louis Walsh - who is well known for loving a novelty act. Pictured, the former contestant recently

Former Brazilian P.E teacher, Wagner Fiuza-Carillho will always be one of the most iconic contestants on the talent show with his frilly shirts and comic appeal. 

He initially didn't make it to the live shows in 2012 but was brought back as a wildcard by mentor Louis Walsh - who is well known for loving a novelty act. 

The twice-married star made it through to the quarter finals but ruffled plenty of feathers along the way, exiting the seven-bedroom X Factor house in Hertfordshire after clashing with the other contestants.

After finishing in sixth place, the 65-year-old hit headlines when he revealed he was having a baby with his then 20-year-old girlfriend Lydia Longville.

When revealing his partner's pregnancy, Wagner admitted he was already father to a five-year -old from a previous relationship, but that they'd become estranged.

Wagner told love it! magazine of his advancing years: 'Chances are, I have 20 or 30 years left, but there’s nothing I can do about it. If I didn’t do karate, I may as well step into a coffin now, though.'

Lydia said: 'He was better-looking in person, and had lovely eyes. Let’s just say his experience has paid off. He didn’t serenade me with a song in the bedroom, but there’s always been lots of sexual chemistry.'

CHLOE-JASMINE WHICHELLO 

Chloe-Jasmine Whichello first made a name for herself after competing in the The X Factor's 11th series (pictured)

She was mentored by Cheryl and finished the competition in 13th place - but it was her steamy chemistry with fellow contestant Stevi Ritchie which captured the attention of fans. Pictured, Chloe in 2017

Chloe-Jasmine Whichello first made a name for herself after competing in the The X Factor's 11th series.

She was mentored by Cheryl and finished the competition in 13th place - but it was her steamy chemistry with fellow contestant Stevi Ritchie which captured the attention of fans.

Following their appearance on the programme, the duo announced their relationship and were soon engaged in July 2015 before going into the Celebrity Big Brother house in September.

The couple competed as one housemate on the 16th series and finished in fifth place. 

But in April 2016, they called it quits on their relationship, but later had a wedding blessing on a yacht in Cyprus in July. 

They once again called off their engagement in September 2016, but in January 2017 a source told The Sun Online that the two were still 'giving things another go'. 

However, the pair have no traces of each other on their social media accounts since June 2018 - so it's unclear as to whether they've secretly called time on their relationship or just decided to be more private.    

Chloe has appeared in a host of UK reality shows such as Keep It In The Family, Who's Doing The Dishes?, Celebrity Juice and Celebrity Big Brother's Bit on the Side.

In 2018 she gigged with 80's band Curiosity Killed The Cat and has also modelled for the likes of Vivienne Westwood and Prophetik.

STEVI RITCHIE   

 The 'joke act' of the 2014 series for many viewers, Stevi Ritchie (pictured) was known for his big vocals before entering a relationship with fellow contestant Chloe Jasmine

 The singing duo (pictured together in 2016) had a rocky on-off partnership and it's unclear if they're still together

While a successful singing career doesn't seem to be on the cards for Stevi (pictured in 2019), he instead turned his hand to acting following his stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house 

The 'joke act' of the 2014 series for many viewers, Stevi Ritchie was known for his big vocals before entering a relationship with fellow contestant Chloe Jasmine.

The singing duo had a rocky on-off partnership and it's unclear if they're still together.

While a successful singing career doesn't seem to be on the cards for Stevi, he instead turned his hand to acting following his stint in the Celebrity Big Brother house.

In 2017, he toured the UK alongside actor Keith Chegwin in a production of the Beauty and the Beast. 

He's also participated in a number of charity football matches, and throughout lockdown entertained his Instagram followers with humorous singing videos. 

Stevi has a daughter, Summer, from a previous relationship.

SAME DIFFERENCE

Same Difference (pictured) divided opinions with their saccharine brand of pop on the 2007 series of The X Factor

They were branded 'potentially two of the most annoying people I've ever met' by show boss Simon Cowell, while judge Louis Walsh repeatedly called them 'cheesy' and only worthy of children's television or pantomime. Pictured, the duo in 2016

Same Difference divided opinions with their saccharine brand of pop on the 2007 series of The X Factor. 

They were branded 'potentially two of the most annoying people I've ever met' by show boss Simon Cowell, while judge Louis Walsh repeatedly called them 'cheesy' and only worthy of children's television or pantomime. 

Yet the musical duo, siblings Sean and Sarah Smith, impressed the public with their upbeat attitudes and finished in third place, behind runner-up Rhydian Roberts and winner Leon Jackson. 

The pair enjoyed a short musical career since the show and released two albums, but officially disbanded in 2014.

Sean continues to release music, having appeared on TV since his X Factor days with occasional appearances on Loose Women and This Morning.

Talking about his time with his sister in the act, he admitted he felt bizarre singing love songs with Sarah, especially as he initially wanted to audition as a solo artist. 

He explained: 'I wanted to be a solo artist. But obviously you go through rounds and they saw we work perfectly together. They put us together and same difference was born.

'I thought I was the new Robbie Williams going in but was the new H from steps after... Singing weird love songs to each other.'

But Sean insists that there is no bad blood between him and his sibling: 'Sarah is also doing amazingly well.. Its not a bad break-up. We love each other to bits.

'It didn’t work out. I think it was getting to the point things were slowing down – you get a certain shelf life. We were grateful that we were signed to Simon’s label and our single went gold. But it was coming to an end. It was a mutual decision.'

His sister Sarah, thought to be a mother-of-two, took a step back from the limelight and instead opened up a performing arts school in Portsmouth called SD Studios.

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