So, the 2013 series of TV talent show ‘The X Factor’ began yesterday on UK televisions and we can expect weeks of tabloid speculation about who will be this year’s winner, along with the usual hyperbole surrounding rivalry between the judges, the producers and, no doubt, Simon Cowell.  It’s a tried and tested formula to keep the millions tuning in every week (and dialling the premium rate voting lines) in the run up to the final and the Christmas number one single.

In 2008 Laura White reached the final seven of the fifth series of The X Factor.  The judges had heaped praise on her every week.  Simon Cowell had told her “You have something very, very special.”  When she was eliminated from the show it prompted huge media attention and even her local MP Andy Burnham mentioned it in Parliament.

Laura hails from Atherton, Greater Manchester, not far from my home, and before she auditioned for The X Factor I had held a photoshoot with her for promotional photographs.  She was brilliant to photograph, totally charming and completely genuine.  Singing was, and still is, the one thing she loves to do.  I was thrilled to see her on TV and gutted when she was knocked out of the contest.  She could have easily won.

Following her departure I provided images for use in several newspapers and magazines.

I am very pleased to see that Laura is still singing.  After The X Factor she toured with Peter Andre and released a single. Check her out at the following links:

YouTube – www.youtube.com/officiallaurawhite
Web – https://www.officiallaurawhite.com/

Here are some photos of Laura White taken in Atherton.  Click to enlarge and feel free to comment.