X Factor’s Darkest Secrets – ITV show’s fashion director declares ‘taboo’ on set

Grace Woodward, 46, worked on the ITV show in 2010 – billed as one of its golden years as it drew 14 million viewers – but claims it’s ‘very spendable by women’ on cinematic stage

The former X Factor fashion director spoke out against the culture on set, claiming that “every woman can afford it”.

Grace Woodward, 46, worked on the ITV show in 2010 – considered one of its golden years when it attracted 14 million viewers and featured artists such as One Direction and Matt Cardle. and Rebecca Ferguson.

But Grace has alleged that there was a “dark villain” present on the set of the show at its peak.

Her comments come after several former contestants said they weren’t taken care of enough while appearing on the show.

Grace tells Sun : “Every woman on that show is spendable, and that’s implicit in everything.

“I feel that all participants are being taken advantage of for financial gain. But what I see many times is that women have a hard time fighting for their place, while men do as they please. “

She suggested that One Direction was “very considered untouchable” but that the female contestants weren’t and that she “watched them struggle.

Grace has stated that Liam Payne, then 17, asked her to sit on his lap and that the behavior was “part of the culture on the show” and that he could take it as normal.

The stylist went on to say that the show was “like a circus”, describing it as “disturbed”, and explaining that the contestants were “under a lot of pressure”.

She said that Cher seemed “very fragile” and that the singer was 16 years old, had little support and appeared increasingly incompetent.

“During the final weeks of the show, she got so upset about an outfit that she aggressively swung her scissors at one of my assistants,” Grace said.

The stylist added that no one had come to talk to her or give her advice, and said the reaction was not unusual because “the judges were only with them while the cameras were rolling”.

Meanwhile, she said that Rebecca “became quieter” and that being away from her children made it difficult for her.

Grace went on to say that judges Cheryl and Dannii Minogue often shed tears because they found it difficult to deal with the pressure.

“During the movie, I remember seeing them both in tears,” she said. “You just have to look at the number of times the female judges have changed in the show’s history to see that their place in that panel isn’t very secure.”

The stylist also claims she was “despised” by the show’s production team and executives after getting into a fight with winner Matt Cardle – while suggesting he escaped without blame. hook.

“I still feel extremely embarrassed today,” she said. “But to my knowledge, there were no consequences for Matt. Days later, I learned he was dating one of the dancers.

Grace, who is now a campaigner for Women’s Aid, says she was asked to return to the program next year but asked for a higher salary, but they declined.

She claimed that a few weeks later, it was falsely reported that she was fired from the show, which she said traumatized her and left her devastated.

“My experience of it was devastating for me and ruined my career,” she said. “And I’m not ready for that. No one warned me. I wish until today I would never be on the show. “

The Mirror has reached out to The X Factor and representatives of Simon Cowell, Cher Lloyd and Liam Payne for comment.

A program spokesperson told The Sun: “The well-being of everyone involved in any of our programs is paramount.

“We have thorough and robust care processes in place to provide support to anyone who may need it, including psychologists to provide expert opinions.

“If we become aware of any concerns, we will take the matter seriously and investigate immediately.”