Dermot O’Leary Defends The X Factor Amid Contestant Complaints, Insists They Were "Treated Really Well"

This revision streamlines the title by removing redundancies ("Former host" is condensed to clarify his association with the show) and simplifies phrases like "flurry of contestant complaints" to "amid contestant complaints" while preserving the core message. The structure emphasizes his defense and response to criticism.

Dermot O’Leary Defends The X Factor Amid Contestant Criticism

Former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary has defended the ITV talent show, insisting contestants were treated well during their time on the program. His comments come after years of criticism from former participants, including Katie Waissel, Rebecca Ferguson, Cher Lloyd, and Jedward, who have accused the show of poor aftercare and exploitation.

[Image: Dermot O’Leary hosting The X Factor in 2018]
Caption: Dermot O’Leary insists the show prioritized contestant welfare during filming.

O’Leary acknowledged that post-show support needed improvement, telling The Sunday Times: “If there is a duty of care to be looked at, it’s what happens afterwards.” However, he emphasized that welfare was taken “seriously” during production, adding, “If the show was made now, it’d be made differently.” He described the atmosphere as “celebratory” and suggested contestants often struggled more after leaving the “bubble” of the show.

Contestants Speak Out
In contrast, 2016 winner Matt Terry claimed the show left him unprepared for fame and lacked post-show support. “You’re built up and thrust into the spotlight,” he told MailOnline, urging psychological support for future contestants. “There are people who still struggle with their identity years later.” Terry also referenced Lucy Spraggan, who left the 2012 series after being raped by a hotel porter during filming. “It shocked me,” he said, highlighting evolving standards in duty of care.

[Image: Matt Terry and Dermot O’Leary in 2017]
Caption: Matt Terry criticized the lack of support after winning in 2016.

The X Factor spokesperson defended the show’s welfare measures, citing “dedicated psychologists, doctors, and welfare producers” available during and after filming. However, Terry argued the aftercare felt nonexistent: “I struggled… There was no support.”

Allegations of Exploitation
Katie Waissel, a 2010 contestant, claimed the show “ruined” her life, citing death threats, panic attacks, and PTSD. She founded the OWHL Foundation to advocate for better industry protections. Similarly, Jedward tweeted in 2021: “Every contestant was a slave to the show… The biggest regret was not telling the judges to f**k off.”

[Image: Katie Waissel on The X Factor in 2010]
Caption: Katie Waissel has been vocal about her traumatic experience.

Cher Lloyd, who rose to fame in 2010, accused the show of exploiting her teenage naivety. In a TikTok video, she sang: “They sold me the dream just to exploit me.” Rebecca Ferguson, a 2010 runner-up, testified to UK lawmakers about “systematic misogyny and bullying” in the music industry, calling for urgent reform.

[Image: Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson]
Caption: Cher Lloyd (left) and Rebecca Ferguson have criticized industry practices.

A Mixed Legacy
While O’Leary maintains the show’s intentions were positive, the contrasting accounts underscore ongoing debates about reality TV ethics. As former contestants push for accountability, The X Factor’s legacy remains a blend of star-making opportunities and unresolved challenges in protecting vulnerable participants.

[Image: Jedward on The X Factor in 2009]
Caption: Jedward called out the show’s treatment of contestants.

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