X Factor's Emma Chawner displays incredible 16st weight loss - 18 years since show debut

One of The X Factor's most memorable contestants, Emma Chawner, has wowed fans by showcasing her incredible 16 stone weight loss. At the tender age of 17, Emma became a talking point when she and her family had a notorious run-in with judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh following her rejection from the show in 2007.

Now at 35, Emma has undergone a remarkable transformation, proudly stating that her significant weight loss was achieved without any surgical procedures, a fact she confirmed during an appearance on ITV's Lorraine in 2019. Emma took to Instagram to post jaw-dropping before-and-after photos, one with the caption: "5years down and 16st 4 lost im still losing it but very slow now."

Her followers were quick to shower her with compliments, with comments like: "Fantastic, you look amazing," and "You look so beautiful and pretty! Please remember weight can not be defined by age, weight, or gender. Your beauty has always shined through! I'm glad to see you! Bless you love!"

Emma confided in Lorraine, who had previously offered to help her family with their weight loss journey, sharing that the turning point for her was the death of her pet dog and the emotional strain from her parents' split. Sadly, Emma's mum passed away at the age of 73 in January 2024, and her dad died in December of the same year.

In her chat with Lorraine, Emma highlighted her determination: "No one's pushed me to do it, I've done it all myself. I was always out of breath and diabetic."

She countered claims from sceptics suspecting her of undergoing weight loss surgery and expressed her aim to drop a bit more weight, saying: "I'm happy with how I am and it's not far to go."

Emma first tried her luck on The X Factor in 2007 only to face stern rejection. Not one to give up easily, she braved the stage again in 2009 with her sister Samantha, who has recently got married.

Nevertheless, Emma was dealt another blow as she received four no's from the panel, with Cheryl remarking, "Emma, I have to say, you're definitely more confident when you've got your sister with you. But nothing else has really improved unfortunately."

Her singing dreams temporarily shelved, Emma joined her family for Lorraine Kelly's Big Fat Challenge, a bid to lose weight. She continued slimming down post-show, crediting a 30-day detox and good practices like cutting out snacks and staying hydrated for her progress.

Before joining Lorraine’s programme and consulting with diet professionals, Emma supposed her size was hereditary, claiming, "It's not because of what I've eaten. It's because of the genes in my family. Mum's big, dad's big, my sister's big. No-one's thin in our house."