The X Factor: Celebrity's Jenny Ryan reveals how singing helped her with depression

The Chase star suffered with depression as a teenager

Author: Alex RossPublished 23rd Oct 2019
Last updated 23rd Oct 2019

After her incredible rendition of Queen anthem 'Somebody To Love', The Chase star Jenny Ryan had the backing of viewers when Nicole Scherzinger chose to send her home during last weekend's episode of The X Factor: Celebrity.

Despite initially being sent home in favour of Ricki Lake, Vinnie Jones and Martin Bashir, ITV bosses made the decision to bring Jenny back for the live shows, after a tonne of complaints by viewers.

Now, ahead of the first live show on Saturday 26th October, Jenny has spoken to our friends at heat Magazine, where she's revealed singing helped her when she was struggling with depression when she was younger.

The 37-year-old said, "I’ve always enjoyed singing as a hobby and an antidepressant. I started to sing a lot more during my twenties when I was struggling with depression. I think it should available on prescription, really."

Despite being a phenomenal singer, it sounds like Jenny won't be giving up her day-job on The Chase, even if she won the show and landed a record deal.

She told heat Magazine, "I don’t think I would. Quizzing is my life. I think it would be something I would do alongside can do it, If Bradley Walsh can do it, I can do it. He is a man of many talents – I’ll just learn from his example."

You can read Jenny's full interview in this week's heat Magazine - out now.

After bosses brought her back following the backlash, Jenny will take to the stage during the first live show of the series on Saturday night, alongside the rest of the celeb contestants, including Kevin McHale and former Coronation Street actress Victoria Ekanoye.

See the full line-up for The X Factor: Celebrity below:

Megan McKenna

Reality star Megan McKenna has ditched her reality roots in recent years to focus on her music career, releasing a country album called 'Story Of Me' in 2018.


Will she impress the judges?

Jenny Ryan

As well as her recent appearance on Celebrity MasterChef, The Chase legend Jenny Ryan showcased her singing talents.

Max and Harvey

British lads Max and Harvey have enjoyed a massive rise in fame thanks to the app musical.ly. Although they've both been performing since they were kids, the duo have now performed to massive crowds across the world.

V5

Social media stars Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Wendii and Natalie have joined forces to create girl group V5.

Kevin McHale

American actor Kevin McHale is no stranger to the music world! Kevin appeared on hit show Glee as Artie Abrams, before landing a music deal with Universal Music Group. Unfortunately, he lost his place on the show in Week 4.

Try Stars

Rugby stars Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis have all teamed up to create a Sports Supergroup called Try Stars. Sadly, they left the competition in Week 5 with Vinnie Jones.

Vinnie Jones

After initially pulling out of the show following the tragic death of his wife Tanya in July, Vinnie Jones was invited to the live shows by Simon Cowell, with the former footballer saying, "I'd be honoured, she would love me to do it." Sadly, he left the competition in Week 5 with Try Stars.

Hayley Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff's 27-year-old daughter Hayley was sent packing after her audition. Hayley failed to impress her mentor Louis Walsh, meaning she didn't make it to the live shows.

Cole and Edwards

Former Strictly dancer Brendan and former Holby City actor Jeremy were also sent home after their initial audition, failing to impress mentor Simon Cowell.

Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake lost her place on the show when she received the lowest votes from the public during the first live show.

Olivia Olson

Despite Simon Cowell telling her she could 'win' the show, Love Actually actress Olivia Olson was sent home during the first live show.

Jonny Labey

Despite getting a 'safe seat' during the first live show, former EastEnders actor Jonny Labey was given the boot in Week Two.

Victoria Ekanoye

After quitting Coronation Street in January this year, soap star Victoria Ekanoye landed a role on Celebrity X Factor, but her time on the show was cut short when she was voted out in the second live show.

No Love Lost

Despite singing some of their original songs on the show, Love Island stars Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker, Zara McDermott and Wes Nelson were given the boot during the third live show.

Martin Bashir

After forgetting his lyrics the week before, the third live show proved the end for broadcasting legend Martin Bashir.

After the first two audition episodes, The X Factor: Celebrity seems to be very popular with viewers, with many very excited to see what songs the celebrity contestants will perform during the show at the weekend.

Vinnie Jones has also been welcomed back to the show, after making the decision to quit early this year following the tragic death of his wife Tanya. Following a call from Simon Cowell, Vinnie revealed Tanya would love him to take part.

The actor has now told fans he's keen to donate any money he makes off the show to the two hospitals where his late wife was treated.

Find out everything you need to know about The X Factor: Celebrity right here.

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