'They shouldn't have aired that, she's clearly ill': Lily Cooper criticises X Factor for airing vulnerable Ceri Rees' FOURTH rejection

By Nadia Mendoza


Lily Cooper was today the latest celebrity to attack X Factor for allowing an audition with an 'ill' woman to be broadcast on television.

The pregnant singer, who is currently expecting her first child with husband Sam, defended vulnerable contestant Ceri Rees, saying the show exploited her.

Last Sunday, viewers watched on as Rees was subjected to her fourth rejection from the panellists - having made several attempts to reach bootcamp over the last six years in 2005, 2006 and 2008.

The 54-year-old widow from Bridgend came under fire for her tone-deaf performance and was given a resounding chorus of 'Nos' on the final show of the audition rounds.

She was allocated a generous seven minutes and 11 seconds of broadcasting; a sixth of the entire show's running time.

But Lily was sickened by the producers decision to keep the scene in for entertainment value, saying: 'Kerry (sic) from Bridgend, they shouldn't have aired that audition, she's clearly ill.'

And it seems the 26-year-old wasn't the only famous face to be riled, with Lorraine Kelly and Richard Madeley also having their say.

Lorraine said: 'Uncomfy to watch ceri on x factor, she's a poor wee soul', while Richard quipped: 'They're crossing the line here. Bad.'

Ceri, who idolises judge Louis Walsh and even bought him a bouquet of flowers, claimed she has had vocal coaching since her previous appearances, but her voice told a different story.

Television bosses played the Jaws theme tune as she stood onstage waiting for her verdict, before looking upset as Louis delivered her fate.

The Irish star, 59, said: 'You're definitely not going to be a recording artist.'

Humiliated: Lily Cooper believes Ceri Rees was exploited on The X Factor as she is 'clearly ill'

No1 fan: Ceri was obviously a fan of Louis Walsh, even presenting the judge with flowers


As she left the auditorium, Ceri repeatedly said 'stuff it', but did not rule out a fifth return next year.

Mark Davies, director of communications at Rethink Mental Illness, told The Sun: 'While we can't speculate on Ceri's mental health, she does appear vulnerable and it was clear she'd been set up to fail.

'Producers have a responsibility not to put vulnerable people in the spotlight when it's clear the intention is for the public to ridicule and laugh at them. It could be seen as a form of bullying.'

Neighbours in the South Wales area said Ceri lived 'in a world of her own' in a one-bed council bungalow since husband Clive died in 2007.

But last night an X Factor spokeswoman insisted Ceri was happy with her television adventure.

She said: 'The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance. We have psychologists to provide expert opinion if we have any specific concerns, or if the contestant raises any issues.'


Speaking out: Richard Madeley and Lorraine Kelly have refused to stay silent on the matter


source:dailymail