As ITV’s Popstars turns 25 the unhinged moments that would NEVER make it to air now – from fat-shaming Kym Marsh to Suzanne Shaw being quizzed about her ‘lovely breasts’

It was the TV talent show that launched the careers of many household names.

The early 2000s reality show Popstars definitely reflects the standards of its era. Some of the challenges, scenes, and harsh criticisms featured on the show wouldn’t be acceptable on television today.

The groundbreaking show that premiered in 2001 was a reality series documenting hopeful singers as they auditioned for judges Nigel Lythgoe, Nicki Chapman, and Paul Adam, all vying for a spot in a new pop group.

Danny Foster, Myleene Klass, Kym Marsh, Suzanne Shaw, and Noel Sullivan, who won the TV series, later became members of the successful pop group Hear’Say.

The runners-up – Michelle Heaton, Tony Lundon, Kevin Simm, Jessica Taylor, and Kelli Young – went on to form the group Liberty X, which actually became more popular than the winner.

Becoming a pop star wasn’t easy, and the Daily Mail looks back at some of the wildest and most challenging moments from the show 25 years later.

Kym Marsh is fat-shamed (twice)

Before landing her role on Coronation Street, Kym Marsh soared to fame on Popstars.

Even though she was in the successful group Hear’Say, the singer was publicly criticized and made to feel ashamed on television. Twenty years later, she still struggles with how she sees her body, a result of being humiliated about her weight during the show.

Kym, a mother of two, was a size 12 and generally healthy, but she admits she had struggled with how she felt about her body for many years.

During filming, a judge on a popstar competition, Nigel, told a contestant she needed to lose weight, adding a dismissive comment about gaining weight over the holidays.

You seem to have gained some weight over the holidays, and it might be good to focus on getting back in shape.

In a further instance of unkind behavior, a radio host called her “the fat one” after asking which of the Popstars contestants had an abdominal exercise machine.

You know, I’ve been thinking about the recent negativity, and honestly, it was a really tough moment. But when people comment on my appearance, I always remind myself – and them – that I’m just a regular woman. I’m a normal size, and I’m comfortable with that. It’s important to remember that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, and focusing on being healthy and happy is what truly matters.

I remember being right backstage, about to perform, and someone really made me doubt myself – my looks, everything. It was a horrible feeling, and honestly, if I hadn’t been surrounded by the support I had at that moment, I think it could have completely derailed me and sent me into a really dark place.

Kym didn’t feel comfortable in her own skin until 2016, after someone told her she had gained weight.

She shared with the Daily Mail that she’d always felt good about her body, but a hurtful comment really shook her confidence. It was so upsetting that she couldn’t even bear to look at herself in the mirror.

I began to see my body in a new light and wondered if I had gained weight. I became overly critical of myself, especially because my body had changed significantly after having kids, and I just didn’t have the time to work out.

Contestant breaks her nose doing bizarre exercise

To help the contestants get to know each other before teaming up, the show’s producers had them participate in a trust-building activity.

The aspiring pop stars had to fall backwards into the arms of their fellow contestants, a challenge designed to build trust between them.

Things took a bad turn when a contestant excitedly jumped into the foam pit and unfortunately broke her nose.

Talented singer is eliminated because of her ‘looks’

Claire, a hopeful singer, impressed the judges with her strong rendition of S Club 7’s “Reach.” However, they focused more on her appearance than her vocal talent.

Nicki considered whether the contestant’s unique appearance might have impacted the judges’ perceptions. She pointed out that the contestant didn’t fit the typical pop star mold and questioned if that had played a role in how she was being evaluated.

Claire readily admitted she didn’t quite fit the image of early 2000s girl groups, explaining that, in her view, they were often defined by being ‘very thin’.

She continued: ‘I’m not really like that… I hope they can overcome that.’

In the end, Claire was eliminated. As she left, she confidently stated that she didn’t fit the image the judges were seeking.

‘I knew that looking around the room, everyone was so different from me.’

Darius is ridiculed for THAT Britney Spears routine

Before he became famous on Pop Idol, Darius Danesh first tried out for fame on the show Popstars.

The singer, who recently passed away, became a national sensation with his unusual cover of Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time.” Despite his performance, the judges weren’t impressed. One judge, Paul, commented that while the singer had talent, he didn’t seem like a good fit for any kind of band, large or small.

Nigel said it was foolish to try something so showy and ultimately unsuccessful.

Darius challenged the judges, asking if his performance of a Britney Spears song was what saved him. When they confirmed it was, he promised to have a number one hit single before his 35th birthday.

In the end, Darius proved successful, appearing on the first season of Pop Idol the following year and placing third, after Will Young and Gareth Gates.

I was absolutely floored by this artist’s performance – even Simon Cowell was clearly impressed! He actually offered him a record deal, which is huge. But get this – the artist turned him down! Instead, he decided to work with the legendary Steve Lillywhite, and honestly, I think that’s a brilliant move.

Darius launched his music career with the single “Colourblind” in July 2002, and it immediately topped the charts. This success began a streak of songs that all reached the top 10.

He went on to launch a career in musical theatre, starring in hits such as Chicago.

Darius sadly died in August 2022 after accidentally inhaling ethyl chloride, a type of anesthetic drug.

Contestant is eliminated for being ‘too old’

During a rehearsal, judge Nigel unexpectedly entered the room and asked everyone to state their age. This happened after a contestant younger than 18 had to be removed from the competition.

Okay, so he spoke up, and you guys, he really emphasized that everyone absolutely had to be between 18 and 24. It was, like, the most important thing ever, he kept saying it! I’m just trying to make sure I don’t accidentally let anyone who doesn’t fit that age range get in… it’s crucial!

A contestant nervously revealed her true age. When Nigel asked her when she would turn eighteen, a collective gasp arose from the audience as she confessed she was actually thirty years old.

Fighting back tears, she said she understood if she was being let go, acknowledging she had taken a chance. Nigel immediately responded with a simple, ‘I’m sorry.’

The group then watched on as the contestant fled the room in tears.

Nigel admitted it was incredibly difficult to have to let talented young players go, but it felt especially painful when their age was the reason.

The contestants’ shoddy living conditions

Once the final five members of Hear’Say were chosen, the group moved into a shared house where they lived together while recording and promoting their debut album.

Things didn’t go as planned for the band. A voiceover explained they’d had to call a plumber because of a problem with the house, and the scene showed a frustrated plumber trying to fix it.

Kym, who looks very young, explained that they have a photoshoot tomorrow, but it’s unlikely they’ll have time to shower, wash their hair, or even wash their faces.

Kym hurried down the hall, crossing her legs and saying, “I need to use the restroom!”

The band’s outrageous violation of privacy

When Hear’Say lived together, a radio station called Kiss went through their trash and then posted what they found online.

It was hilarious! The camera showed what they found in their trash – empty beer cans, pizza boxes, and even an Abdotrim box – and the hosts just burst out laughing. Someone’s clearly trying to get in shape while also enjoying life, right? They were joking about the beer, of course.

A shocked Suzanne was left openmouthed, saying: ‘Oh my God – they really are sad!’

During their radio interview, the group was asked about the Abdotrim box, and the host made a hurtful comment to Kym, saying she was the ‘fat one’ and therefore it must be hers.

Suzanne Shaw is quizzed about her ‘lovely breasts’

On a radio show, a DJ shared a listener’s message that asked if Suzanne’s breasts were real, adding that they were attractive.

A shocked Suzanne laughed before cupping her chest and declaring ‘they’re real’.

When asked about their size, Suzanne firmly refused to answer, saying she would make them guess instead.

Kym Marsh is exposed for having ‘secret children’

In a tense moment, Nigel called Kym into his office while dramatic music heightened the atmosphere, and Kym appeared quite nervous.

Nigel revealed in a video that he received a call from a lawyer with upsetting news about Kym, and he’s determined to find out the truth.

It turned out Nigel knew Kym hadn’t mentioned her two children, David and Emilie, who are now 29 and 27 years old.

Scolding Kym, Nigel said: ‘All I can say is how disappointed I am.

First, I’m finally hearing from a lawyer, after repeatedly warning you that the media would uncover any hidden issues or damaging information about you.

‘You thought because you had two children it would affect you getting into the band.’

Kym was left sobbing as she admitted: ‘I didn’t want it to ruin my chances.’

2026-02-28 14:10