For those who followed his X Factor journey, the news of Danny Dearden’s death has come as a shock. Sadly, this isn’t the only tragedy connected to the now-cancelled TV talent show.
Danny, who was just 34 when he died, enjoyed a successful music career after his 2014 stint on The X Factor, which saw him reach the Judges House stage. As well as singing, the star was also a dedicated anti-bullying campaigner, and would give talks at schools about only safety.
In a statement shared with the Mirror, Danny’s representative said: “We are heartbroken to announce the sad loss of our dear friend and artist Danny Dearden, who passed away peacefully this morning after a long illness.
“Danny was one of the most talented, hardworking people we have worked with and has made a big mark on the industry amassing more than 30 Million Streams and collaborating with huge dance names such as Michael Calfan and Dario G. RIP Danny.”
Here, the Mirror takes a look at other X Factor stars who have been met with tragedy after stepping off that famous blue stage.
Ariel Burdett, real name Amy Burdett, rendered judges speechless with her memorable 2008 audition, in which she famously ripped off her contestant label and declared she was a “human being, not a number”. The Wakefield-born singer and ‘holistic vocal coach’ ultimately received four nos, but didn’t take the rejection lying down, telling the judges to “shove a bit of metal right up their a**”.
Sadly, on November 12, 2019, Ariel was found dead at her home in Leeds, at the age of just 38. She had died by suicide, and an inquest later determined that she’d lain in bed for a number of days before her body was finally discovered.
At the time, Ariel’s friend Andrew Smalling spoke of the difficulties she’d faced during her short life, as well as her apparent regrets over her X Factor appearance. Andrew told The Sun: “We were shocked when we heard she’d died. She’d struggled with demons for a while. I think she regretted appearing on X Factor because she was actually a decent musician, and it sort of tainted her.”
During the inquest, Dr Jamie Pick told Wakefield Coroner’s Court of Ariel’s “strength of character” and “liveliness”. He said: “Ara was one of those people who was very memorable. She had a strength of character, and there was a liveliness about her that people related to, and they had a real fondness for her. She was passionate. Fiercely independent, she wanted to be in control.”
In 2012, Freddie Combs blew The X Factor US judging panel away with his extraordinary cover of Bette Midler’s Wind Beneath My Wings. The performance earned him four enthusiastic yeses, with pop icon Britney Spears describing him as ‘shockingly amazing’.
Prior to his successful audition, Freddie, from North Carolina, spoke candidly about his weight loss journey, which saw him shed an astonishing 400 pounds. Freddie, who auditioned from his wheelchair, shared: “My wife Kay, shes an incredible woman. She started caring for me right after we were married in 96, and as my weight rose, more things were required of her. She’s the closest thing to an angel and a saint that I know.
“When I was bedridden and never came out of the house, my music was never heard. My biggest dream would be to give hope to people who are my size so they can achieve their dreams. And I know people might think I would never have a chance, and maybe I don’t, but I hope the judges will look past my exterior and give a fat boy a chance.”
Judges Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid promised to support Freddie with his weight loss journey, with Simon telling him: “I don’t believe you deserve to be stuck in this chair. I’ll back you if you back yourself.”
Sadly, in September 2021, it was announced that Freddie had died from kidney failure at the age of 49. His wife Kay told TMZ: “I have so much gratitude to be his wife for 25 years and to be his best friend.” This came after Kay revealed that her husband had lost an amazing 37 stone over the course of 11 years, going from 64 stone to 27 stone.
After wowing judges on the US X Factor in 2011, Simone Battle was a star on the rise. She was eliminated at the first live show but she didn’t let this stop her from pursuing her dreams. The following year, LA-born Simone joined the original lineup for girl group G.R.L, and the band appeared poised for superstardom. Their 2014 single Wild Wild Love with Pitbull catapulted them to prominence, reaching number six in the UK charts.
Sadly, shortly after their 2014 track Ugly Heart was released to critical acclaim, Simone died by suicide. She was only 25 years old. A statement from RCA Records, Reign Deer Entertainment, Robin Antin and Kemosabe Records read: ”We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the loss of Simone Battle of G.R.L. Simone was an exceptional young talent and human being, and we are all devastated to learn of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones at this time.”
Chicken plant worker Thomas Wells appeared on the 2011 series of The X Factor US and also competed on shows such as The Voice and America’s Got Talent. Thomas managed to get to the bootcamp stage of The X Factor, belting out tracks such as Rascal Flatts hit I Won’t Let Go.
Tragically, on November 12, 2021, Thomas died in a horror accident while working at a tyre manufacturing plant in Oklahoma. He was 46. His wife Jessica broke the news, while TMZ reported at the time that a part of Thomas’ body had become trapped in a conveyor belt-type of machine which couldn’t be stopped.
Thomas was rushed to a nearby hospital, before being airlifted to a larger hospital in Texas. Sadly, nothing could be done to save him. Paying tribute to her husband, Jessica, who was Thomas’ high school sweetheart, told E! News how Thomas had “loved to make people laugh and he was always cutting up”, while fondly remembering “his love for his family and his dogs.”
Recalling the devastating accident in a Facebook video, Jessica also said: “He was deteriorating really fast,” Jessica said in her Facebook video. “The lack of oxygen in his brain was causing his body to shut down and his organs and everything was just not working right.”
Kerry McGregor appeared on the 2006 season of The X Factor UK, with Sharon Osbourne as her mentor. She was eliminated in the third week of the live finals, with Leona Lewis going on to become that year’s champion. As well as being a singer, Kerry, who used a wheelchair after breaking her back in an accident aged 13, was a passionate advocate for important causes, and supported charities that represented women, disabled people and children.
The West Lothian singer, was diagnosed with bladder cancer in 2010, and died two years later at the age of 37. The month before her death, the star was named as an ambassador for Action on Bladder Cancer. In an interview with The Daily Mail at the time, Kerry’s manager Ewan Gallagher revealed: “This is a desperately sad time for all Kerry’s friends and family. She was such a gifted singer and song-writer. She left more than 40 of her own songs unrecorded at her death.
“And she had forged a close friendship with Susan Boyle, who became very attached to Kerry because both are from West Lothian. Susan wrote in her autobiography that Kerry’s appearance on X Factor was what gave her the courage to appear on BGT. The pair were about to record a duet of Wings To Fly, which has only appeared as a bonus track on an album released by Susan in Japan. I’m sure it would have been a huge hit, and the words have such poignancy. I don’t know what will happen with that project now.”
If you’re finding things tough and need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are always there. You can call their free helpline at any time on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email them at jo@samaritans.org or visit their website to find your nearest branch.
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