EXCLUSIVE: X Factor winner Sam Bailey has come a long distance since winning the show in 2013, and now stars alongside Peter Andre in Mamma Mia! The Party – but says she wouldn’t be here without her family’s support
Stage star Sam Bailey has come a very long way since she won The X Factor in 2013. But before her showbiz success, the singer had faced the sting of rejection – and was working in a career that’s just about as far as you could get from the bright lights of celebrity.
The now 48-year-old had already worked as both a cruise ship singer and prison officer, before emerging triumphant from The X Factor, more than a decade ago.
Already in her mid-thirties by the time she auditioned for the talent show, Sam had already endured rejection – both personal and professional. But she tells new that everything happens for a reason.
“I don’t think I’d have coped if I’d done that show when I was younger,” she reflects. “I’m a little older. I’ve dealt with rejection over the years – for jobs, in love, everything. Young ones with less life experience aren’t necessarily going to deal with those knocks as well as someone older. I was a prison officer too, don’t forget! I’ve seen it all.”
Social media has also exploded since Leicester-born Sam shot to fame, meaning as well as adoring fans there are armies of nasty trolls, ready to criticise. But she insists it’s water off a duck’s back.
“Some people can’t deal with trolls. I’m like, whatever. It is what it is. If you want to say I’ve got gappy teeth or I’m fat, it really doesn’t bother me. I’m still breathing, I’m here, I am earning money and I’m going on my holidays.”
Away from the spotlight, Sam has been married to husband Craig Pearson since 2003, with whom she shares children Tommy, Brooke and Miley. Becoming emotional as we ask about their relationship, she says her family’s support is the sole reason she’s been able to live out her dreams.
“I’ve got an amazing husband, incredible kids and an amazing support network. I feel like I wouldn’t be here doing this if it wasn’t for them,” she says.
“You make a lot of sacrifices to do this job, I’m away from home a lot, but not so far away that they can’t come and visit me. I am very lucky.”
Despite the roller-coaster nature of a career in the spotlight, Sam is keen for her children to follow in her footsteps – and has no qualms about daughter Brooke entering the industry. “My eldest daughter has just graduated musical theatre school in London, so she’s going into the same sort of game as me,” she says, proudly.
“I want to show my children that if you want something in life you’ve got to go out there and get it. You’ve got to expect downfalls, and a lot of noise but one day, it’s going to work out.”
But Sam says she would never push her kids into doing something they don’t want to do and just wants her brood to be happy. “My youngest daughter goes to dance class every single week, but there’s no pressure. If they want to go and work in a supermarket, fine. I couldn’t care less as long as they’re happy.”
Since Sam, who was mentored by Sharon Osbourne on The X Factor, topped the charts with a cover of Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper and a No1 album that followed, she’s focused mainly on musical theatre with roles in Chicago, Fat Friends and Beauty And The Beast. Despite her lack of professional training, Sam is confident that she has proven by now that she is more than capable of the job. “I do think you have to know what you’re doing, and be confident with it. And I think that I’ve earned my stripes now.
“At the beginning, when I first started musical theatre, I felt like, because I didn’t have any training, everybody would be looking at me and going ‘Oh yeah, just someone that came off The X Factor blah blah blah!’ But it never stopped me.”
Her latest exciting role is in Mamma Mia! The Party, the hit immersive experience at London’s O2, which pays joyful tribute to the famous jukebox musical, inspired by the music of ABBA.
The musical started life in the West End in 1999 and was adapted into a film with Meryl Streep almost a decade later, but this time around, fans can truly immerse themselves in the idyllic atmosphere of the Greek island where the action is set.
“It’s original, it’s heartfelt, it’s got brand new characters and obviously a shedload of avatars. What’s not to love? Plus people can have a dance, eat, drink – all under one roof,” says Sam. “I play Debbie the chef, she’s such a character. She wears her heart on her sleeve, she’s slightly dappy and a bit of a liability, but she’s got a heart of gold.”
Sam was already a big fan of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, who won Eurovision in 1974 with Waterloo.
“They literally stand the test of time. I wasn’t even aware they had so many great songs, you know, you’ve got your usual SOS and Lay All Your Love On Me, Mamma Mia – but this show has got some absolute corkers in it – and thankfully I get to sing.”
But away from the world of ABBA, there’s one part that Sam is secretly longing for – the grotesque Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables, London’s longest-running musical.
Previously played by the likes of Coronation Street legend Vicky Entwistle and, in the film adaptation by Helena Bonham Carter, Sam says, “Madame T in Les Mis is my dream role. Someone tell [producer] Cameron Mackintosh, I’m free from April next year! Honest to God, that’s my favourite musical,” she smiles.
For now though, she is extremely happy to be teaming up with fellow pop singer Peter Andre in Mamma Mia! The Party, who plays taverna owner Nikos, saying, “I’m lucky to be in a position where I’m coming into work with such amazing people, and Peter is legendary!
She adds, “I think it’s the seventh musical that I’ve done now. I’m going to be in it for a whole year and it’s just an amazing show. Even overtaking Beauty and the Beast, I think this is going to be my favourite thing I’ve done.”
Sam is starring in Mamma Mia! The Party from 14 May until April 2027. Tickets are available from mammamiatheparty.co.uk
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