X Factor singer unrecognisable ten years after finding fame and marrying co-star

An X Factor contestant who captured the public's attention a decade ago has undergone a remarkable transformation since his time on the talent show.

Ryan Lawrie, a singer-songwriter, first appeared on the 13th series of Simon Cowell's singing competition, which ultimately crowned Matt Terry as winner.

Despite being eliminated in a sing-off against Honey G before reaching the final, Ryan has described the experience as "life-changing".

A decade on, Ryan has established himself as a successful singer and songwriter, notching up five US Billboard number ones and 100 iTunes chart-toppers worldwide, whilst also writing tracks for major artists including BTS and Steve Aoki.

In a recent Instagram post, he looked back on his breakthrough year of 2016, writing: "2016. The year that changed my life forever. The year I performed at Wembley Stadium in front of 80,000 people opening up the @capitalofficial Summertime Ball," 

"The year I came 6th on The X Factor. The year I made Emily my gf (now my wife).

"The year that shaped me into the person I am today. I am and always will be grateful for everything that happened in 2016. The good and the bad, because it all matters. It all moulds you into who you are meant to be. Every experience does."

Fans flooded the comments with messages of support, with one responding: "Followed you since 2016 and I'm so proud of how amazing you are doing! Keep going! ! Wow I can't believe it was 10 years ago time has definitely flown by."

Another commented: "Where it all started! ! !" whilst a third exclaimed: "No way you're that wee guy! ! ! That is so awesome! ! !"

A further fan penned: "When I think of 2016 you're one of the first things that comes to mind I'm so proud of you Ryan and you're doing so well I'm so happy for you."

Ryan and his wife Emily Middlemas both took part in The X Factor during the same series, with Emily progressing to the semi-finals before becoming emotional when Ryan was knocked out of the competition.

The pair announced their marriage last year, posting photographs from their special day which prompted an outpouring of congratulations from supporters.

During a chat with Lorraine Kelly, Ryan looked back on his X Factor journey following his elimination and sharing the stage with Emily, who was his girlfriend at the time.

He admitted he harboured no regrets about his stint on the show, stating: "This experience is life-changing and it's a massive platform, and if you do it right and work well on it, you'll get the benefits in the end. I'm very excited for what's to come and I'm looking forward to it."

Speaking about Emily, Ryan added: "We've been going out for a year now but I've known her for about four years, before The X Factor we were gigging and stuff and doing a circuit around Glasgow.

"We'll definitely write together and maybe put a wee song out," he revealed, discussing his aspirations for songwriting down the line.

"Song-writing is my first love, that is the thing that I want to do everyday when I wake up, but performing, if I get the chance to perform and if that can happen, I'd love to do that as well."