Matt Terry has launched a scathing attack on The X Factor, accusing the hit ITV show of profiting from contestants’ mental health struggles and describing the experience as an “abuse of power”.
The 2016 winner made the explosive comments in an exclusive interview with GB News while promoting new West End musical World’s Greatest Lover, alongside fellow X Factor stars Dalton Harris and Union J’s Jamie Hensley.
Reflecting on his time on Simon Cowell's talent show, Mr Terry said while it changed his life and allowed him to pursue a career in music, there was a darker reality behind the scenes that many contestants are still grappling with.
“I do relate to it,” he said, referencing growing criticism of the programme.
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World's Greatest Lover London cast | World's Greatest lover“So much good came from it… but I also have to recognise that my talent got me on the show, and my talent also won me the show.”
He went on to describe the long-term emotional toll of the experience.
The Skittles singer revealed: “I’m two years deep in therapy to be able to understand myself and go about this world the best way that I can… to understand what I truly went through.”
He continued: “These people are making millions off your poor mental health that they have caused, which is not okay… It’s an abuse of power in my opinion.”
Matt Terry won the X Factor in 2016
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Mr Terry suggested contestants are often placed in vulnerable positions, particularly those with little financial security.
“I had £4 in my bank account when I entered the show… what else am I going to do? I’m going to say yes to everything," he said.
The singer also warned not everyone has been able to recover from their experience as he has, saying: “I consider myself… I’ve got out… but there are still plenty of people… that still suffer today from that experience. And there needs to be some accountability.”
Fellow winner Mr Harris echoed concerns about the pressures of the industry, describing the experience as “not an easy one" and revealing the emotional aftermath can take time to process.
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“It is a lot of therapy that gets you to a place that you can speak about this,” he said, adding that contestants can feel like they become “an accessory that is used for your viewership… you are the business.”
However, Mr Hensley stressed experiences vary widely between contestants.
“I had a positive experience. That’s my truth,” he said, while acknowledging that others may have faced serious challenges and that “accountability is key” where things have gone wrong.
The comments come amid renewed scrutiny of The X Factor, with former contestants increasingly speaking out about their treatment on the show and the lack of aftercare once filming ends.
Dalton Harris said the X Factor experience is not an easy one
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Since leaving the show, in 2010, Katie Waissel, who was 24 at the time of auditioning, has repeatedly claimed her experience “ruined her life” and left her suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
The singer has alleged she never wanted to take part in The X Factor and felt compelled to do so after Mr Cowell's company acquired the label she was previously signed to.
Meanwhile, Steve Brookstein, the first winner of The X Factor, has spent years criticising the show, branding it “one big theatre” that is “killing music” and likening it to “WWE” for turning artistry into spectacle.
He has repeatedly claimed the programme is staged, with “fixed” results and “watertight contracts” that silence contestants, and even backed a campaign to block the show’s dominance of the Christmas No.1, accusing Simon Cowell of “buying the rights to Christmas”.
Jaymi Hensley rose to fame through The X Factor as part of 4-piece boy band Union J
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However, Several former X Factor contestants have spoken positively about the show, crediting it as a life-changing platform that gave them opportunities they would not otherwise have had.
Stars such as Olly Murs and Alexandra Burke have praised it for offering a chance to “change their lives forever”, while Stacey Solomon and Sam Bailey have highlighted the stability and career success it brought.
Others, including James Arthur, acknowledged the intense pressure but said they remain “so grateful” for the platform.
Major acts like One Direction, Little Mix and Leona Lewis are often cited as proof of the show’s ability to create global success stories.
The X Factor was created and led by Simon Cowell, who is the founder and owner of Syco Entertainment
Mr Terry also appeared to criticise comments previously attributed to Simon Cowell, suggesting those who did not achieve major success were more likely to complain.
“That’s really insensitive,” he said, calling instead for “some accountability” from the music mogul.
Despite the controversy, all three performers emphasised they have moved forward in their careers and are now focused on their latest project, with World’s Greatest Lover set to open in London’s West End following a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Mr Terry added that, ultimately, the show is only one chapter of their lives.
“The X Factor is something that we did, but it’s not who we are.”
GB News has contacted ITV for comment.
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