Former X Factor winners have called on Simon Cowell to “take responsibility” for the show’s impact, with some describing lasting trauma from their experience.
Speaking exclusively to GB News ahead of the debut of World’s Greatest Lover at The Other Palace, Matt Terry, Dalton Harris and Jaymi Hensley opened up about their time on the programme.
Mr Terry, who won the competition in 2016, said that while the show changed his life, it also came with serious consequences that are only now being fully understood.
“There are multiple truths,” he explained. “So much good came from it…but I’ve also had to do two years of therapy to understand what I went through.”
World’s Greatest Lover London cast
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World’s Greatest lover
He added: “People were making millions off your poor mental health… that’s not okay. It’s an abuse of power, in my opinion.”
The singer also revealed how vulnerable contestants can be when entering the competition.
“I had £4 in my bank account when I entered the show,” he said. “What else am I going to do? I’m going to say yes to everything.”
Mr Harris, who won the show in 2018, echoed those concerns, describing the industry as “unregulated” and warning that contestants can quickly become commodified.
Matt Terry won the 13th season of The X Factor in 2016
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X FACTOR/ITV
“You are the business,” he said. “You become an accessory for viewership… it’s almost like a farm for your trauma.”
He added: “I signed up to use my gift, not to be used.”
Both stars stressed that while they have been able to move forward in their careers, others have not been as fortunate.
“There are people from X Factor and Love Island still suffering today,” Mr Terry said.
“Some people’s lives are forever changed off a TV show.”
The discussion comes amid renewed scrutiny of the programme ahead of a forthcoming documentary examining its legacy, with reports suggesting Mr Cowell will take part.
When asked what they would like to hear from the music mogul, Mr Terry said: “Some accountability from Simon Cowell would be lovely.”
He added: “You can’t sit there and say ‘I made you famous’, that’s not what matters anymore. We didn’t go on the show for fame. We went to do what we love.”
Mr Harris added that greater care should be taken when dealing with young contestants whose futures are shaped by the show.
“You have people’s lives in your hands, that’s a huge responsibility,” he said.
“If you’re going to change someone’s life, you owe it to them to handle that with care.”
However, Mr Hensley, who rose to fame as part of boyband Union J, emphasised that experiences on the show vary widely.
X Factor winner Dalton Harris said greater care should be taken when dealing with young contestants
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X FACTOR/ ITV
“I had a positive experience, that’s my truth,” he said. “Everyone’s journey is different.”
He added that while accountability is important, it is equally vital to recognise that not all contestants share the same outcome.
Despite their differing views, all three agreed that the impact of the show is long-lasting and deeply personal.
“The X Factor is something we did, it’s not who we are,” Mr Terry said.
“But it has had a huge impact on all of us.”
Union J placed fourth place in the ninth season of The X Factor in 2012
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X FACTOR/ITV
The singers are now focusing on a new chapter in their careers, starring in the West End production World’s Greatest Lover, as they continue to navigate life beyond reality television.
World’s Greatest Lover is a new pop-rock musical making its London premiere at The Other Palace this spring.
The production features an all-star cast of pop talent and West End performers, bringing together history’s most iconic romantics in a high-energy, music-led exploration of love and desire.
Mr Hensley joked: “I never want to be in a boyband… but I just can’t seem to get away from them.”
All three stars also described the production as “the safest space” they have experienced in theatre thus far.
World’s Greatest Lover premieres on June 12, 2026 at The Other Palace, London.