The X Factor Overs category has come a long way since bin man Andy Abraham and Tesco Mary got booted out of the singing contest.
These days, the Overs category is where it’s at.With Sam Bailey claiming the X Factor crown in 2013, Fleur East blowing everyone away with THAT Uptown Funk performance and Ben Haenow stealing our hearts last year, you’d think any judge would be chuffed to mentor the Overs.
Not so Simon Cowell, who had to apologise for swearing when he found out he’d be mentoring the Over 25s. Yes, 25 – it’s not like they’re drawing pensions.
Well screw Simon – we LOVE the Overs. That’s why we wanted to chat to them.
Here’s what Jennifer Phillips, 49, had to tell us…
How much interaction did you have with Simon?
I didn’t just get a pep talk, I got my chin stroked. I was really nervous, like, “Hello, what’s going on here?” He whispered in my ear, “Believe in yourself.”
He stroked your chin and whispered in your ear? Do you have a bit of a crush?
I don’t really have a crush on him, because I’m not a homebreaker, but he’s absolutely gorgeous – he’s intelligent, he’s successful and very charming. Offstage, he’s a gorgeous person – warm and down to earth. But onstage, he’s a monster! We know that.
Were you annoyed with Simon’s reaction to getting the Overs category?
I didn’t know if I should strangle him, because I was vexed. It was really discouraging, like, should we get our Zimmer Frames out? But he said, “I’m sorry,” and you have to forgive him.
Do you know any celebs?
I’ve met Chaka [Khan] – she’s a friend of a friend of mine and has a house in Swiss Cottage. She cooked for us, and told us to be positive, keep focused – advice I’ve carried into the competition.
What’s Louis Tomlinson like?
He’s very down to earth. I said to him, “Sorry for singing two lines wrong,” and he said, “No problem, I’m always the one who sings their lines wrong.”
Have you splashed out on any new outfits?
I have, because before the show I was heavier and I’ve lost about a stone, just from stress. I was a size 10, but I went to a 14/16 before the show and now I’m coming down – everything’s too big. I’m a 10 again now.
Read the rest of the Overs’ interviews in this week’s heat magazine – OUT NOW!