JLS JB: 'We had no sob story'

Jonathan 'JB' Gill of JLS has said that musical ability need not be overshadowed by personal life stories on The X Factor.

The singer from last year's runners-up told Metro that different people have their own motivations for entering the show.

Gill said: "We never had a sob story and still made it to the final.

"If people are asked about their lives, it doesn't mean they're the ones promoting their problems. People have different motivations. It's just part of why they're doing it."

When asked if he was worried about mentor Louis Walsh turning JLS into Westlife, he added: "No, he knows we're a different kettle of fish. There are still things you can transfer, not necessarily music style, but in terms of demeanour or the calibre of producers we can work with.

"People think the judges on The X Factor don't do much, but Louis got behind us every single week. He told us not to change. "

Last year's winner Alexandra Burke has denied suggestions that the contestants are told to break down on the programme, though former contestant Niki Evans claims that she was urged to cry on the show over her father's death.