Lights, Camera, Melodrama!

When girl band Eskimo Blonde entered X Factor in the show's early years, they never could have predicted that one of their auditions would remain infamous to this day. Titled ‘Eskimo Blonde Dragged Out by Security at Their Audition' on YouTube, the clip has garnered countless comments and millions of views. But what is the truth behind the appearance that has been labelled X Factor's "most desperate audition"?Rory speaks to former band member Gemma who appeared on multiple seasons of the show. Gemma reveals what really happened when Eskimo Blonde reunited with former bandmate Hari on camera and how they were pitted against each other. She also discusses the production team's behind the scenes tactics, getting told she could cure Cheryl's malaria and the aftermath of being embarrassed on national TV.WATCH ESKIMO BLONDE'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtzFhsv6OUFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

When Vanessa Threadgold auditioned for The X Factor in 2011 as part of girlband Angel, she had no idea what she was getting into. The audition went viral after Vanessa and Tulisa traded insults, but it was Vanessa who would pay the price with the incident going viral and affecting both her professional and personal life.With her audition put under the melodramatic microscope, Vanessa reveals what we didn't see on camera, the lasting effects from her time on the show and what she's up to now.WATCH ANGEL'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdtzFhsv6OUFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory discusses the greatest X Factor hits that never were by speaking to Unflopped co-hosts, Sean Vickers and Stuart Edmonds. Each discussing songs from X Factor alumni that were initially paid dust by the general public, Rory ultimately decides which single deserves to be unflopped in a decision harder to make than choosing between Laura White and Ruth Lorenzo in their Bottom Two sing-off.As always, Syco shade is thrown, music video concepts are slated and everything from Treyc Cohen's "I'm ready" moment to Zayn Malik and Harry Styles fan fiction is put under the melodramatic microscope.LISTEN TO UNFLOPPED HERE: unflopped.comFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory speaks to Track by Track hosts, Dan Bull and Will Warren in order to establish what the very best songs released by X Factor alumni truly are. With just 3 choices each, the Great X Factor Songbook is put under the melodramatic microscope and whittled down to an immaculate collection of 9 songs that, in the words of Rachel Lester, are better than Madonna.Covering everything from Amelia Lily's stint on Geordie Shore, to Liam Payne's ill-fated to solo career, to Fleur East's inescapable association with Asda... more attention is given to the show's back catalogue than Syco gave to half of their artists!LISTEN TO TRACK BY TRACK HERE: https://linktr.ee/trackbytrackukFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

From the moment Mason Noise hit the X Factor screens in 2015, he was a force to be reckoned with. Oozing swagger and style, Mason managed to get Rita Ora up on her feet by serenading her with a seductive first audition. But Mason is probably best remembered for a now infamous Six Chair Challenge moment  in which he encouraged the crowd to take out their phones and film a clash with the judges, resulting in Simon Cowell swearing at him like a sailor. After a dramatic exit, an undeterred Mason was invited back to the competition, eventually finishing in 7th place. In recent years, Mason has undergone a total transformation. After dealing with the tragic loss of a young woman he met on X Factor, he is now all about spirituality, mindfulness and healing - leaving his boyish bravado behind and concentrating on a more peaceful future. On this episode, Mason reflects on his highlights from the show, being mentored by Nick Grimshaw, what we didn't see on camera, and when we can expect new music from him.WATCH MASON'S FIRST AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGJfulJyQGEWATCH MASON'S SIX CHAIR CHALLENGE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPy0uNpR7M4WATCH MASON'S PERFORMANCE OF SORRY HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frSlfjULPOM WATCH MASON'S APPEARANCE ON GOOD MORNING BRITAIN HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RsyVdnFLMN0&t=89s Follow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Whether you consider every episode of X Factor to be Hunmissable or you were just a casual fan, you're probably very aware of the plethora of memes, gifs and viral moments the show has served us over the years. Rory speaks to Hunsnet creator, Gareth Howells in order to establish why the show is the gift that keeps on giving, which Hunreal X Factor stars will stand the test of time and who should be crowned X Factor's ultimate Hun. WATCH RACHEL LESTER'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3jo-QP9AKMWATCH HOLLY JERVIS' AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0j-FopmOf4WATCH GARY & TULISA'S ON AIR SPAT HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Eruqh0dEEwWATCH DANNII'S GENDER REFERENCE CRITIQUE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0FMEo6EBQWATCH TULISA'S PERFORMANCE ON BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LptYqvCdf1oWATCH ALEXANDRA BURKE & BEYONCÉ'S DUET HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccthIuJOi5A Follow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

When Danyl Johnson auditioned for The X Factor in 2009, he captivated audiences from the word 'go', with Simon Cowell famously describing his first audition as the best he’d ever heard. Immediately becoming a frontrunner for the X Factor crown, Danyl's time on the show was met with some of the competition's most memorable and problematic critiques - including an ill-fated comment about Danyl's sexuality from Dannii Minogue that went down like a lead balloon with both the press and public, and an overconfident narrative that followed Danyl throughout the contest. Rory catches up with Danyl to discuss those infamous moments, as well as Danyl's backstage secrets and celebrity run-ins, highlights from his time on the show and what he's up to now.WATCH DANYL'S FIRST AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzj9z8QDTfUWATCH DANNII'S CRITIQUE OF DANYL THAT RECEIVED OVER 4,000 OFCOM COMPLAINTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=De0FMEo6EBQLISTEN TO DANYL'S PODCAST, BEST THING: https://open.spotify.com/show/6wZNvre4xv27XNpRe2solnFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Samantha Reay auditioned for The X Factor in it's inaugural year in 2004 as a fresh-faced aspiring singer who skipped her honeymoon for a chance at stardom. But nothing could have prepared her for the body-shaming she experienced from the panel who labelled her "ordinary", "overweight" and "mission impossible". Told to "go on a diet", it later emerged that Sam was pregnant.After the clip of her judge's critique went viral on Twitter in January 2019, a pandora's box was reopened for Sam, who had to experience the power of social media and infamous X Factor auditions first hand. With her audition put under the melodramatic microscope, Sam reveals what we didn't see on camera, as well as the lasting effects from her time on the show.WATCH SAMANTHA'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0vvKv5K3KsFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.If you've been affected by any of the issues in this episode and need support, you can call Beat - a charity for those affected by body image issues and eating disorders - 365 days a year on 0808 801 0677 or visit their website for further resources.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Following Misha B sharing her truth about her time on the show, Rory discusses the experience of Black women on The X Factor - both in front of and behind the camera - with Ray Sang and Teeyana Aromi, hosts of the Rhymeshe podcast.  From Gamu's shock exit from the contest in 2010 to Mel B being groped by Louis Walsh live on Xtra Factor in 2014, this episode aims to establish what the lasting legacy will be for Black women on The X Factor.WATCH THE VIDEOS DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:Misha B's Judges' Critique: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rURZ28fzsrwMisha B's X Factor Truth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Okxh9eL0cwAlexandra Burke - Experiences of Racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdjU5pScks0Leona Lewis - Experiences of Racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bp6Uo8ZKKc8Leigh-Ann Pinnock - Experiences of Racism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_T2zcyuqDAMel B - Sexually Assaulted on Xtra Factor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrPR1DcZxxgFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

From Nicole Scherzinger's green smoke bomb to Whitney Houston singing herself out of her own dress, Rory discusses X Factor's most iconic and memorable celebrity guest performances with the hosts of Right Back At Ya, David Lim and Joel Babbington. Expect Kelly Rowland's position-switching mole, Cheryl's unforgettable solo debut and Alexandra Burke's not one, but two, renditions of Bad Boys all put under the melodramatic microscope.  WATCH THE PERFORMANCES DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE:Alexandra Burke - Bad Boys: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c3uqW-OeBAAlexandra Burke & JLS - Bad Boys/Everybody In Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQo79xcyD3EKelly Rowland - Medley: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDpmSnNLqb0Cheryl - Fight For This Love: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0pF2MTfl9oBritney Spears - Womanizer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-HsM6NA4eEWhitney Houston - Million Dollar Bill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WSd6eRUDQ8Nicole Scherzinger - Poison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Av_WttPAuE4Follow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Amy Burdett, better known as Ariel, The Holistic Vocal Coach, gave us what is arguably X Factor's most infamous first audition when she performed an academic construction for the judges in 2008 - but in November 2019,  Ariel tragically took her own life. Her cause of death was drug toxicity and a stab wound to the neck. In order to establish why Ariel left such an impact and what her lasting legacy will be, Rory speaks to Harrison Brocklehurst, a journalist who followed Ariel's story, and Andy Strach, a friend of Ariel's who was kept entirely in the dark about her X Factor appearance.WATCH ARIEL'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iqx8ji7VgrQ&t=1sWATCH ARIEL'S PERFORMANCE OF 'AN ALIEN FOR CHRISTMAS' HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KocSyx5Q3RoFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.If you've been affected by any of the issues in this episode and need emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in-person or go to the Samaritans website: https://www.samaritans.org/Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory speaks to former X Factor hopeful Kelly Northall, who shares her full story for the first time. Kelly's audition is probably most famous for her very, very harsh verbal smackdown of Simon Cowell, after he made the fatal error of knocking Kelly’s less than stellar vocals.  Kelly's disgruntled father Peter also makes an iconic appearance when he storms into the audition room to give the judges a piece of his mind. But what you might not know is that the drama really began for Kelly once her audition aired...WATCH KELLY'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnrBC7HWzdA&t=6sFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Twitter and Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

It's the one you've been waiting for. In the final episode of the series, Rory is joined by comedian Alex Stringer and actor Alex Hopwood to discuss the show's most infamous auditions gone wrong.While Ablisa's unforgettable punch-up gets put under the melodramatic microscope, there's retrospective high praise for fashion trendsetter Debbie Stevens, and Holly Jervis' ability to take undeserved harsh criticism. But who had X Factor's best worst audition? It could very well be someone better than Madonna...WATCH ZOE ALEXANDER'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SrSE02PYaQWATCH DEBBIE STEVENS' AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeQ0kHZ9svMWATCH HOLLY JERVIS' AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0j-FopmOf4&t=142sWATCH ABLISA'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrNbLBS1D2QWATCH QUEEN RACHEL'S AUDITION HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZqdK3ZohoE&t=78sFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory is joined by YouTube sensation Georgina Hill-Brown aka. the Honest Vocal Coach to decide who X Factor's greatest vocalist is. Georgina's videos have seen her critique a plethora of pop royalty but who does she think deserves to be crowned best singer? Expect discussion on Cheryl's right to judge vocal talent,  Leona's personality potentially holding her back, and Dalton Harris not getting the recognition he deserves. WATCH GEORGINA"S YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE: https://www.youtube.com/c/HonestVocalCoachFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory speaks to X Factor styling extraordinaire Gemma Sheppard, who is responsible for some of the show's greatest looks. Starting out a stylist, Gemma ended up leading on wardrobe and worked with countless judges and contestants. From Dannii's fashion transformation, to knowing what looks would grab the headlines, to the realisation that a bad outfit could lose votes for a contestant, Gemma reflects on her X Factor stint and its impact on the industry.Follow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Following Sharon Osbourne's abrupt departure from The Talk in 2020 following comments about Meghan Markle and racism, Rory is joined by journalists Tom Murray and Stephanie Guerilus to reexamine Sharon Osbourne's legacy. As one of X Factor's most controversial judges, Sharon was paid to be a loose cannon for years - but looking back on her legacy, it's plain to see that her behaviour is often shrouded in bullying and misogyny. Expect to hear about Sharon's now infamous feud with Dannii Minogue, cancel culture and what the future holds for Mrs. O.WATCH SHARON'S OUTBURST ON THE TALK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNsM7kZRxAkREAD TOM'S OPINION PIECE ON SHARON: https://medium.com/insider/sharon-osbourne-has-been-disguising-cruelty-as-straight-talk-for-years-7458e13b962Follow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

Rory speaks to writers Michael Cragg and Shaun Kitchener to establish who X Factor's greatest ever contestants are.  Covering everything from Alexandra Burke snotting all over Beyoncé, why it's better to be so bad that you're memorable rather than simply forgotten and the importance of good hair, the contestants are whittled down to a final few that'll give the Mixers something to smile about. Spoiler alert: It's bad news for Eoghan Quigg.READ MICHAEL CRAGG'S RANKING OF X FACTOR CONTESTANTS HERE: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/nov/29/x-factor-contestants-ranked-little-mix-one-direction-leona-lewisREVISIT SHAUN KITCHENER'S X FACTOR CONTESTANTS TWITTER POLL HERE: https://twitter.com/shaunkitchener/status/1265634819683254279?lang=frFollow Lights, Camera, Melodrama! on Instagram for memes, music and melodramatic content!Join the conversation with Rory on Twitter and Instagram to find out what's in store on future episodes.Presented and produced by Rory BoyleTheme Music by Dominic GozoArtwork by Miss Gloria

A welcome from presenter and producer Rory Boyle, who'll be putting The X Factor under the melodramatic microscope with the help of former contestants, journalists and super fans.