MEGAN McKenna is turning her back on reality TV after winning X Factor: Celebrity, but credits her appearance on them for her new recording contract.
The singer, 27, came to fame starring on Ex On the Beach before stints on Celebrity Big Brother and Towie but says she never “wanted” to appear on them.
Speaking exclusively to HOAR following her victory on Saturday, she said: It’s sort of like a Cinderella story for me.
The fact that I’ve gone through all the reality TV stuff while trying my whole life to get to a moment like this – its amazing. Im finally living my dream.
“I never wanted to do reality TV and I was never happy doing it. I feel like it’s really difficult to get into the industry and for me, from a normal family – I didn’t have any links into the music industry.
I had the opportunity to go on a TV show about four years ago and I just took it. I thought, you know, this is going to be my way of getting in.
I did a few shows and any chance I could get to sing I would. If it wasn’t for me being on the reality shows I wouldn’t be where I am today.
“I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go on X Factor: Celebrity.
Her stint this year was the third time she had tried out for the show – auditioning twice unsuccessfully before she found fame on Towie.
On Saturday nights final Simon revealed that he had reservations about Megan due to her reality past but said the show had been her redemption.
She said: I don’t blame him. I’d think the same thing. When I look at myself in my videos I think, ‘Oh my God, what planet was I on?’
Being on X Factor and working with an amazing team, doing what I love, has allowed people to see the real me.
It’s lovely they can see me for me rather than Megan from this show or that show.
Megan was also bowled over by the judges comments and couldnt believe Simon had downloaded one of her original tracks.
She said: I still can’t believe that they are the best of the best and are saying they love my music. One week Simon even said that he had downloaded my track. It’s crazy to think Simon Cowell has Megan McKenna on his iTunes.
Megan will sign a year-long record deal with Simons label Syco and will start work with them next week.
