James Arthur talks about his ‘near-death’ experience in X-Factor
James Arthur, 35, who hails from Middlesbrough, won the show’s ninth series but mentioned a horrific experience he had during filming.
Things took a terrible turn during the second week of live shows on X-Factor, where James sang No More Drama by Mary J. Blige and was complimented on his performance.
Read more: Anti-terrorism update in relation to the Hartlepool murder investigation
The singer revealed in a heartfelt interview with Jamie Laing on his Private Parts podcast that he thought he was going to die on stage.
He felt so unwell during the incident that ambulances were called.
He said on the podcast: “In the middle of The X Factor I had this massive panic attack and the doctors prescribed me a lot of medication to get me through the show.
“So I was a bit dazed by that too,” James continued, before Jamie asked: “Was that your first panic attack?”
“It was my first big panic attack, where ambulances were called and I thought, ‘I’m dying’ and so on,” the singer confirmed.
“The contrast from the bedroom to national television — he was at the height of his power when I was on that show,” he explained, trying to capture the significance of the moment.
You can subscribe to the Northern Echo for £5 for 5 months. Click here.
James continued: “It was the second week of live shows. It’s funny because it felt like it was bubbling, it felt like this fear was operating on a subterranean level. It was like a pencil that…”
“Are you about to freak out?” asked the Made In Chelsea star.
“Yes. I just felt sick that day. I just felt really sick. I fought in my head as I performed: “Don’t fall, don’t die.” I’m not having a heart attack at the moment.”
“Then I left the stage and thought, ‘I’m going to die.’
