X Factor winner Leon Jackson is unrecognisable 18 years later with muscles and stubble

Scottish singer Leon Jackson was just 18 when he won The X Factor in 2007, but he's come a long way since his days of being mentored by Dannii Minogue and dropped by Simon Cowell

Leon Jackson quickly disappeared from the spotlight after being dropped by Simon Cowell's Syco record label just two years after winning The X Factor in 2007. However, in 2015, it emerged that the Scottish singer had been hitting the gym hard, undergoing a dramatic physical transformation as he continued to pursue his pop career dreams, reports OK!.

Now 35, Leon has traded his iconic spiky mullet for a more relaxed look and sports a flattering facial stubble. He regularly shares photos of his muscular physique with his Instagram followers, looking vastly different from the slim 19 year old who won the nation's hearts 18 years ago. Once known for his Pete Doherty-inspired style of snappy suits and skinny ties, Leon now prefers vest tops and fitted T-shirts to showcase his toned body. Currently living in Los Angeles, he continues to work in the music industry and performs at regular gigs.

During the fourth series of the competition, Leon was mentored by Dannii Minogue and released a cover of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston's duet When You Believe as his winner's single. He charmed the panel with his rendition of Michael Buble's Home at his first X Factor audition, eventually making it to the final where he beat fellow group contestant Rhydian Roberts to scoop the grand prize.

It's reported that at its peak, the single sold 40 copies per minute in Woolworths, but his follow-up track Don't Call This Love only reached number three and his debut album Right Now peaked at number four.

Ben Haenow, the 2014 victor of The X Factor, got the boot from Simon Cowell's record label just a year after he edged out Fleur East to snag the crown. It seems to be a bit of pattern, with former champs like Steve Brookstein (2004), Shayne Ward (2005), Joe McElderry (2009), Matt Cardle (2010) and James Arthur (2012), including 2013's Sam Bailey, all getting the chop from Simon's stable.

But it hasn't been all doom and gloom for X Factor's top dogs; Leona Lewis (2006) and Alexandra Burke (2008) kept their stars shining, while Little Mix, who blew up the charts in 2010, hung onto their deal with Syco until they called it quits in 2022.

Meanwhile, Leon Jackson stands tall as a celeb ambassador for the proud Scottish charity, Children's Hospice Association Scotland. He took to Instagram in 2019, urging his followers with poignant words: "Today is the last day of my fundraiser for Glasgow Children's Hospital."

With a final push to his support base, he pressed on: "If inclined to make a contribution, you can find the link in my bio, it would go a long way in helping some disadvantaged young people."