Megan McKenna responds to ‘unfair advantage’ claims on Celebrity X Factor

Megan McKenna has hit back at claims she has an ‘unfair advantage’ on Celebrity X Factor.

The new-look show brings together stars from the worlds of music, film, sport, television and social media as they compete to win a life-changing recording contract.

Megan is one of thirteen acts in the live shows, which begin on Saturday.

But the reality star has faced criticism for taking part when she’s already released an album.

Speaking ahead of her first live show performance, Megan played down her past singing experience.

She told the Radio Times: “Obviously I sing, and I’ve been recording in the past but it’s never been on the scale of what this could be. This is for a major record label.”

Megan explained: “I’m just the same as everybody else. This is my dream and I’m just hoping that this show can just be the start really as I want to do this full-time.”

The TV personality went on to say she was feeling the pressure because of her past attempts to launch her recording career.

She said: “I feel like I’ve got a lot of pressure because I’ve been really trying to crack the music industry for a long time now and I think coming off of reality shows, people have a perception of me and it’s really difficult to be taken seriously.

“So I feel like coming on this show, people can see how much this means to me and they will take my music seriously. That’s why I wanted to do it.”

Megan is mentored by Louis Walsh in the competition, joining the Unders category made up of EastEnders actor Jonny Labey, Glee star Kevin McHale and American actress Olivia Olson.

The X Factor: Celebrity live shows will start this Saturday night, October 26 at 8:20PM on ITV.

Hosted by Dermot O’Leary, each week the celebrities will sing live before viewers vote for their favourite.

You can vote for your favourite via The X Factor app and watch episodes online and catch up via the ITV Hub.