Rebecca Ferguson speaks out on bullying and blackmailing ordeal ‘Not being silent anymore'

Former X Factor star Rebecca Ferguson, 34, has hit out about the way she claims she had been treated in the music industry after an unearthed video surfaced online tonight. The singer said she was not staying silent anymore as she shared details about treatment she had received, which included being bullied and blackmailed.

The singer began by sharing a video of herself and her fellow X Factor stars Cher Lloyd and Katie Waissel being interviewed by Jeff Brazier.

The trio were mentored by former judge Cheryl on the show in 2010.

In the clip, the group were seen having a laugh as they tried to impersonate the X Factor voiceover. 

She captioned the video: “OMG! how sweet and innocent was I, how could anybody be cruel I am looking back and baffled at how I have been treated in this industry. How could you do that to a kid?”

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But, added: “To an innocent woman who just wanted to sing, I am heartbroken for the younger me who had to go through all of that.”

In view of her 644,000 followers, she concluded: “On a final positive note, I have a great and loving team around me now and I have found happiness which I am really proud of, I overcame and I survived it!

“And I am proud of myself for that and thankful to my fans and the people that supported me throughout. x.”

Express.co.uk has contacted a representative for Rebecca and ITV for comment. 

The singer auditioned for the X Factor in 2010 aged 23.

She duetted with Christina Aguilera in the final, but missed out on the win to Matt Cardle.

Despite not winning, she went on to have a successful music career with hits including Nothing’s Real but Love, Backtrack and Glitter and Gold.

Most recently, she duetted with Nile Rodgers for her new music.