X Factor tragedies – fiancée dead on wedding day, sudden death, suicides

The X Factor catapulted onto our screens 18 years ago today – and since it's first airing we have been treated so some of the most iconic auditions and talented singers.

Introduced to the likes of Shayne Ward, Little Mix, One Direction and Cher Lloyd – the ITV singing competition has been a staple in all of our lives since it burst onto the telly on September 4, 2004.

But although the TV show is full of memorable moments, iconic one-liners, hot boybands and incredible singers – it has had its fair share of heartbreak too.

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Not short of tragedies, The X Factor has seen suicides and sudden deaths – here are the most gut-wrenching.

Fiancée dead on wedding day

Stereo Kicks star Tom Mann was left heartbroken when his fiancée Danielle Hampson tragically died on the day of their wedding.

Tom, 28, appeared on X Factor in 2014 with his band Stereo Kicks when they placed fifth on the TV talent show.

But the singer experienced heartbreak earlier this year when his bride-to-be passed away just hours before their wedding ceremony.

Dani suddenly died back in June, at age 34 on what should have been the happiest day of her life, with her cause of death undisclosed at this time.

Taking to Instagram soon after the tragedy happened, Tom penned: "I can't believe I am writing these words but my darling Dani – my best friend, my everything and more, the love of my life – passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning, 18th June.

"On what was supposed to be the happiest day of our lives ended in irreversible heartbreak."

He added that he would continue to wear his engagement ring as a "sign of unconditional love" for her as he raises their son as a single dad.

Ariel Burdett suicide

Back in 2008 Ariel performed on X Factor in front of Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Danii Minogue and Cheryl Tweedy.

When she appeared on the show, contestants were given a number to wear in the form of a sticker – so that they could be processed.

Clearly unimpressed by being given a number, when she first spoke to the judges she fumed that she was "a human being, not a number".

Explaining that she was a "holistic" vocal coach, she sung an original song for the panel – but did not go through to the next round.

Simon branded her a "nightmare" at the time, while Ariel went on to be remembered among X Factor fans for her alternative look and iconic audition.

After her TV stint Ariel continued to sing, but 11 years on from her audition she was sadly found dead in her West Yorkshire home.

The singer took her own life at home, aged 38, and a pre-inquest hearing at the Coroner's Court in 2019 told that concerns had been raised for Ariel's welfare and her landlord visited the property after she did not respond to messages.

Friends and family paid tribute to the singer on social media, with one of her friends telling The Sun: "I think she regretted appearing on X Factor because she was actually a decent musician and it sort of tainted her."

Two brothers taking own lives

Northern Irish singer Phillip Joseph Magee shot to fame when he appeared on X Factor back in 2005.

He did well in the competition but was booted out in week three and finished in 10th place to Chico Slimani.

Phillip didn't have it easy after his TV stint, and suffered greatly when his brothers took their own lives.

His youngest brother David took his own life in 2009, which came 20 months after his other brother Paul, 21, shot himself in January 2008.

David, who was 20 at the time, couldn't get over the death of his older brother – who he idolised – and resorted to taking his own life.

After Paul sadly passed away, Phillip spoke to Sunday Life where he revealed that his brother's death was "very unexpected" with "no tell-tale signs".

He went on: "It’s a complex issue, what goes on inside people’s heads and what makes people do that."

Adding: "Your mind is such a sensitive thing — there’s such a fine line between life and death."

For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email [email protected], visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.

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