the FAMOUS X FACTORThe exCLUSIVE secrets of Simon’s Overs They’re older, more opinionated and pack one heck of A vocal punch. Here’s why this year’s Overs are the category to watch

he X Factor Overs category has come a long way since bin man and Tesco Mary got booted out of the singingT contest. These days, the Overs category is where it’s at. With claiming the X Factor crown in 2013, Fleur 36 East blowing everyone away 37 with THAT Uptown Funk performance and stealing our hearts last year, you’d think any judge would be chuffed to mentor the Overs. Not so , who had to apologise for swearing when he found out he’d be mentoring the Over 25s. Yes, 25 – it’s not like they’re drawing pensions. But we can see why he about-faced when we meet Anton Stephans,45; Bupsi Brown,37; Max Stone, 27; Kerrie-Anne Phillips,28; Jennifer Phillips,49; and Ebru Gursoy, 27. They’re just back from Simon’s Nantes home, where they sang in front of King Cowell and co-judge, One D’s . This weekend, you’ll see which three make it to the live shows in the first ever live Judges’ Houses show. [The studio show is live, but Judges’ Houses is pre-recorded.] Not only are these guys great singers, they’re killer at poses, lack the insecurities of From left to right: Bupsi younger acts and are interesting, Brown, Anton Stephans, too. They’ve lived, they know who Ebru Gursoy, Kerrie- they are and they’ve something Anne Phillips, Max Stone to say. A lot to say, in fact… and Jennifer Phillips

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Bupsi Which judge wouldn’t “I’ve got my you have liked? Ebru I think Rita and Nick. eye on one Because it’s their first year, “I have we weren’t sure of how they of the crew would mentor or comment, supported members” “Simon’s so I’d probably be sceptical about those two. But so far, Destiny’s Have you got a crush on a teddy I think they’ve done an anyone in the competition? amazing job. Child!” I do have my eye on a particular bear” Do you have a lot of How are you getting on crew member, I don’t think How did you feel when interaction with Simon? with the other over-25s? anybody knows who it is Simon was upset he’d He’s a teddy bear. He’s I had a little moment with though. First X Factor got the Overs category? so strong, but inside he’s Ebru [at Judges’ Houses] – wedding! [Laughs.] It was quite discouraging, just lovely. she was trying to be really Is there anything you’d because obviously you want Have you deleted anything positive, but at the time, refuse to have done in him to embrace you the from social media since I didn’t feel like it was positive. your makeover? same way you embrace him. you’ve been on the show? It wasn’t an argument, it was I would prefer to do my He explained why he Not anything bad, just lots just the wrong choice of words. own make-up and hair, reacted that way. I think he of old pictures of when I did For me, it was just really because I’m so particular. wanted the girls because of music before and blogs and important to apologise to her. Do you know many one particular girl and he stuff like that. The most Do you fancy any of the judges? famous people? was just gutted he didn’t get embarrassing is probably If I’m honest, I’ll say that I met [Danish footballer] to mentor her [Ebru refuses of me snoring away with I have had a few strange Anders Lindegaard – he to tell us who, the tease]. my mouth wide open. dreams. Simon was in one, but came to one of my gigs in it’s nothing crude or anything Dubai. I had no idea who like that. I think I was on he was and his friends were the table again, but I wasn’t like, “He’s Anders Lindegaard, “Did I tell you in the arena, it was in a house. he plays for Manchester about that time 39 Have you ever entered United.” We hung out and I definitely any other talent shows? it was just amazing, we didn’t date Yeah, I was on Britain’s Over and (not ) were like old friends. Sinitta?” a pugh Got Talent with my group, out: here come We had a really good time… The Midnight Soul Sisters. the X Factor But not that good! We got three yeses, but we ladies nd victori didn’t get through to the next audience and when they sent

rdley a round. I don’t think Simon me offstage, he was praying to a remembers me, though. his brother, “Tiffa, pull some he’ll come up to me and go, friends with Sinitta, too. mes y Tell us a secret… Max strings, man” and right then, “Have we sorted that? I don’t We’ve known each other I did actually support Beyoncé I went back on stage. anton think we quite have, have very well… [as a backing singer]. It was Have you ever been on any we?” I’m trying! Another So, have you ever dated when she was in Destiny’s other reality shows? time, he said, “I think you’re anyone famous? Child, and they’d just come “I went to In Sweden, when I was about a great singer and a great Someone… She knows Simon. nd, trousers: burton, shoes: new look a a schmitt. styling: ja out with No, No, No. I stood 16 or 17, I auditioned for Idol – performer, and I’m sorry You dated Sinitta? ch a rehab at 19” t next to her and was like “You I was born in Sweden, but grew “I know that over the years you’ve Not really. It was a long time a alright, love?” [Another night] up mostly in Devon. To be been missed and we’ve ago, very fleeting, and we’re

nd n How did Simon apologise I met Samuel L Jackson and he for swearing about getting honest, this year I did apply for Sinitta missed you.” I was almost still very good friends. x: top: river isl spoke to me for half an hour. He your category? The Voice as well. The X Factor very well” crying again. So you dated Sinitta? came to this party and I went, He admitted he behaved like came around first – The Voice How many famous people [Smiles.] You said that, I didn’t. dine o’toole a a “Samuel, come here… Come on a three year old and he wanted wanted me on the show, but Do you think Louis do you know? Which of the judges man, give me a dance.” I’ve also to give us his deepest apology. I said it wouldn’t be fair. Tomlinson would I know Lily Allen and her do you fancy most? ke-up: n told off – That was really nice to hear. Have you ever had any make a good full-time family – we kind of travelled Rita and Nick are attractive, umper: burton; Ma

nd Ma this is when I was younger. You were emotional during run-ins with the law? judge next year? together before they were but so’s Cheryl. There is ir a We were at the Hilton in the six-chair challenge… No, but when I was younger He’d make a perfect judge, famous [Anton’s sister is somebody… They probably the gym and he was in the The reason I had a few tears I did a lot of things I’m not proud because, along with Cheryl, a filmmaker, as is Lily’s don’t even know I exist, they corner. He pretended he was because a month before of. When I was younger, I did he understands the process. mum]. I love her because work behind the scenes.

wasn’t Robbie and then the audition one of my best a lot [of drugs]. I checked into What advice did you she’s incredibly honest What do your family think nd shoes: new look, j ns a a icky Johnston. Ha admitted, “It is me, but it’s friends passed away. He was rehab when I was 19 because get from Simon? and doesn’t take herself of your new-found fame? e just sometimes I need a break,” on holiday and passed from I wanted to change. I’d like Because I’m very expressive too seriously. She’ll always My auntie thinks it’s called phy: N a so I said, “Everyone loves carbon monoxide poisoning. to prove to kids that it’s never and I’ve got a very expressive be alright, she’s got a huge Kiss Factor, but she doesn’t you in my community – His elder brother was in the too late to change your life. face and expressive eyes, family around her. I’ve been have a television. hotogr P

I just wanted to say hi.” Anton: JAcket, j

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...and here’s who else made the cut Jennifer Rita’s girls “One D’s Louis told

me he Lauren Murray Havva Rebke Chloe Paige forgets his lyrics, too!” How much interaction did you have with Simon? I didn’t just get a pep talk, I got my chin stroked. I was really Louisa Johnson Monica Michael Kiera Weathers nervous, like, “Hello, what’s going on here?” He whispered in my ear, “Believe in yourself.” He stroked your chin and Grimmy’s boys whispered in your ear? Do you have a bit of a crush? I don’t really have a crush on him, because I’m not a homebreaker, but he’s absolutely gorgeous – Simon Lynch Che Chesterman Josh Daniel

ns: new look he’s intelligent, he’s successful a and very charming. Offstage, ery, Jeery, he’s a gorgeous person – warm and down to earth. But onstage, he’s a monster! We know that. Were you annoyed with Simon’s reaction to getting the Overs category? Ben Clark Seann Miley Moore Mason Noise I didn’t know if I should strangle him, because I was vexed. It was nne: rochelle vest: humes for V a really discouraging, like, should we get our Zimmer Frames out? Cheryl’s groups But he said, “I’m sorry,” and you nd; kerrie- a have to forgive him. Do you know any celebs? I’ve met Chaka [Khan] – she’s ns: river isl a e a friend of a friend of mine and Alien Uncovered (formerly Alien) New Kings Order (formerly The First Kings) nd j has a house in Swiss Cottage. She cooked for us, and told us to be positive, keep focused – advice I’ve carried into the competition. ennifer: shirt a What’s Louis Tomlinson like? He’s very down to earth. I said to him, “Sorry for singing

cket: schott; j two lines wrong,” and he said, a “No problem, I’m always the one (formerly 4th Power) BEKLN Mile (formerly BEKLN) who sings their lines wrong.” Have you splashed out on any new outfits? I have, because before the show I was heavier and I’ve lost about a stone, just from stress. I was a size 10, but I went to a 14/16 The X Factor is on

ll miss selfridge; ebru: dress: lipsy, J before the show and now I’m Saturday, 8pm and Sunday, coming down – everything’s Reggie and Bollie (formerly Menn On Point) Melody Stone (formerly Silver Tone) upsi: a 7:30pm, ITV B too big. I’m a 10 again now. n

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