Yorkshire’s Top 7 musical reality TV stars

Gareth Gates The Bradford-born singer was the runner-up to Will Young in the first series of Pop Idol, which aired in 2002 - but went on to sell more than 3.5 million records, collecting a string of number ones, including from his first single, a cover of Unchained Melody. Won hearts with the courage he showed in dealing with his stutter. Kimberley Walsh Her breakthrough came in 2002 when she auditioned for Popstars: The Rivals then won a place as a member of the group Girls Aloud. Their success included a run of 20 consecutive top-ten singles, including four number ones. The Bradford-born singer has also finished as a runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing. Carolynne Poole Carolynne reached the final of Fame Academy in 2003 and made it to the live stages of X Factor in 2012. The Huddersfield-born singer was at the centre of controversy when she was kicked off the series. Gary Barlow, a judge, had called Carolynne ‘supremely talented’ and threatened to quit the X Factor after her exit. She was known for the country influence in her music. Zayn Malik Originally auditioned as a solo artist on X Factor in 2010 but, after elimination, he was brought back into the show along with four other contestants who would form One Direction. Enjoyed number one albums and singles with the group all over the world. Left the band in March this year to become a solo singer. Louis Tomlinson The Doncaster-born singer reached the latter stages of the 2010 series of the X Factor before becoming one of the founding members of the award-winning group One Direction. Continues to be a key figure in the group, which was shaken up by Zayn Malik’s exit. Attempted to purchase Doncaster Rovers but the deal fell through. Melanie Brown The Spice Girl, who was born in Leeds, became a mentor and judge on the X Factor, moving across from the Australian version of the show to the British one. She made an impact on the show with her straight-talking approach and amusing observations. Missed the first night of the final weekend in 2014 and subsequently left the judging panel. Ricky Wilson Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky has been a long-serving coach on The Voice. The Keighley-born singer was a winning coach on the show in April when Stevie McCrorie, rock singer, triumphed. McCrorie won the finale by overcoming the challenge of Lucy O’Byrne, the opera singer. Wilson’s final appearance on the series, before he parts ways with the show, will be aired in January.