McClean: 'S Club Juniors held me back'

Former S Club Juniors star Stacey McClean has revealed that she has always wanted to audition for The X Factor, but claimed that she continually put it off because of her popstar past.

McClean enjoyed chart success, toured and appeared on TV with the kids pop outfit in the early '00s. The 20-year-old also admitted that her life after the band, working nine-to-five, had been disappointing.

"Obviously, being in the band, I've had that taste of music and performing," she said. "I've had a nine-to-five job for the past five years, but it doesn't really make me happy.

"I've always wanted to come on The X Factor, but my past has been one thing that's held me back every year, but I just feel so proud of myself to have come today and be given another chance!"

Speaking about her anxiety at playing live again, she continued: "I wasn't expecting it to be so nerve-racking! It was really overwhelming but I really enjoyed it.

"I think the judges were happy with my song. Although, Simon and Louis did say I need to choose some different songs because they were too big for me. Dannii and Cheryl were really nice... they said that thank God that S Club Juniors broke up!"

McClean added: "It's so many years ago that I was in the band, I feel like I've grown up and I'm more mature... I'm just really excited!"

S Club Juniors, who later changed their name to S Club 8, released albums Together and Sundown between 2002 and 2003. They included the hit singles 'One Step Closer', 'Automatic High' and a cover of 'Puppy Love'. McClean's former bandmates Frankie Sandford and Rochelle Wiseman are now members of The Saturdays.

The X Factor continues with the Bootcamp round on Saturday at 8pm on ITV1.