X Factor star stuns fans with unrecognisable transformation 16 years after show

Eoghan Quigg appeared on X Factor in 2008 (Image: ITV)

Eoghan Quigg competed in X Factor in 2008, coming in at an impressive third place after being narrowly beaten by Alexandra Burke and JLS.

Yet while the other two acts went on to enjoy glittering showbiz careers, Eoghann never became a household name. The 32-year-old, who hails from Northern Ireland, later transformed physically from a cheeky spiky-haired lad to a more mature looking dad of four - and these days he's totally unrecognisable.

He welcomed son Camden in 2023, and daughter Emmy Belle two years earlier, while he also plays doting dad to his partner Amy Campbell's other kids Cooper and Milla, from a previous relationship. Eoghann never produced another album after his self-titled 2009 debut, as he was committed to having a university experience instead.

That meant that he also released just one single, which peaked at number 96 in Britain. However, there was no shortage of interest in his native Northern Ireland, with his album making it to the top spot in the Irish charts.

That said, it was savaged by some critics, with one Guardian journalist declaring it the "worst" album ever made. The singing hopeful was then dropped by his label, RCA Records, after he failed to maintain the expected sales performance.

Eoghan Quigg, pictured here with girlfriend Amy Campbell over Christmas 2024 (Image: INSTAGRAM)

The brutal experience, coupled with his commitment to college, didn't totally end his showbiz dreams though.

In 2014, he represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest - and delighted fans by coming in at second place.

The following year, he tried his hand at an amateur football career, signing with Coagh United FC and then moving onto Port Stewart FC in the Northern Ireland Intermediate League.

At around this time, he met and fell for partner Amy - but within two years, he'd had another career overhaul, this time presenting on Q Radio Mid Ulster.

Eoghan Quigg in 2015 during his amateur football career (Image: INSTAGRAM)

The job included an opportunity to reunite with his former X Factor rival Alexandra Burke and grill her in a live interview session.

Those lamenting the loss of Eoghan will be pleased to know he hasn't retired from singing completely and currently works as a wedding singer.

He took to Instagram recently to give a word of thanks to those who'd booked him in 2024, writing: "From the bars to the restaurants and to all the bride and grooms that chose me for their special day, it really was an honour."

He teased that "the diary is open for 2025" - and although he might be totally unrecognisable in comparison to his X Factor days, he's still a huge hit on the wedding circuit.