Hopeful forced to discuss Bridgend suicides
Friday, 22nd August 2008
X Factor contestant Alexandra Davies has revealed the show's producers coaxed her into discussing the recent spate of youth suicides in her home town of Bridgend.
The Welsh teenager claims producers deliberately manipulated her into talk about a spate of 23 young suicides in the area she lives to make her story more sensational.
Alexandra won a place in the second round after performing Eva Cassidy's Fields Of Gold in last Saturday's debut episode of the 5th series of the X Factor.
And there was a definite focus on the suicides in order to spice up the emotion in typical X Factor style during the 17 year-old's 2 minutes on screen.
Dermot O'Leary
Dermot O'Leary introduced her saying: "Alex's home town of Bridgend had bad press recently after a shocking spate of youth suicides.
"She's hoping that success today might provide some welcome good news for a town that's been living under a cloud."
Just before she was given the thumbs up by judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue, Alexandra said on camera: "Because of all the bad press that Bridgend has had recently I just think that getting through would be a good bit of news that we need."
But she has since criticised producers for persuading her to discuss the suicides against her will as she didn't want the sympathy vote.
She told the Daily Mail: "They thought that up when I said I was from Bridgend.
"The producers wanted me to talk about it but I didn't want to, just in case I offended someone's family.
"I would much rather be known for the talent than the girl that comes from the suicide town.
"I didn't know I was going to be on television and didn't think I would be on as much as I was."
Accurately reflected
An X Factor spokesperson defended the show, commenting: "Alexandra gave a wide-ranging interview about issues which were relevant, important and personal to her, which we accurately reflected in the programme.
"She talked openly and candidly about wanting to bring some good news back to her home town."
"There was absolutely no pressure placed on Alexandra during filming nor did she, or her parents, raise any concerns about her interview."
However, Alexandra's mother Paula shared her daughter's sentiments, saying: "It's wrong that they try to make innocent people make comment.
"She didn't know anyone affected and how must the families be thinking about it? We don't know what it's like."
So here's guessing Alexandra didn't make it to the final, then.
Photo: ITV
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