X Factor legend shows off incredible transformation as fans celebrate exciting announcement

Prepare for a blast from the past, because one X Factor child star has an exciting announcement to share.

Holly Tandy appeared on Simon Cowell’s singing show in 2017 and was mentored by Sharon Osbourne.

A student at the time, Holly, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, made it all the way to the live shows before finishing in seventh place, with R&B/hip hop boyband Rak-Su becoming the second-ever group to emerge as winners.

Now in her twenties, Holly has undergone a glam transformation since her X Factor days and regularly shares glimpses of her life with her online followers, documenting her travels, outfits, and relationship via Instagram.

Having started dating Lewis Akeister four years ago, Holly shared with her 91,000 followers this week that they are engaged and set to become husband and wife.

Lewis popped the question during a romantic getaway to Santorini in Greece following Holly’s 23rd birthday.

A video captured the gorgeous moment as he got down on one knee in front of a stunning sunset.

Totally shocked and overwhelmed, Holly instantly burst into tears, falling to the floor and unable to speak as her boyfriend waited for an answer, ring box in hand.

Happily accepting, Holly planted a big smooch on Lewis’s lips as fellow holidaymakers cheered for them.

Holly’s caption read: ‘24.07.2024 ???? Mr and Mrs Akeister to be ????✨’

She was soon inundated with congratulatory messages, including from old X Factor pals.

‘Congrats! X’, wrote former host Dermot O’Leary.

Emily Middlemas, known professionally as ili, also wrote: ‘congratulations awww????????????’

Since her X Factor stint catapulted Holly to fame aged just 15, she’s continued performing and showcasing her powerful voice, whether it be at local events or via YouTube.

Alongside working on original music, Holly took on the role of Dorothy in a stage version of The Wizard Of Oz in 2018.

Then, in 2019, she was one of six hopefuls competing to represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest, just missing out to James Newman.

In 2021, Holly pursued a career change by joining Haus Properties in Yorkshire.

Most recently, she dipped her toe into presenting, fronting social media content for Barnsley FC.

Over the years, Holly has amassed a dedicated following. She loves jetting off to sunnier climates and bringing fans along for the ride, while also working as a fashion and beauty influencer.

She’s no stranger to the odd celebrity encounter either, having shared selfies with Harry Styles and Henry Cavill on her feed.

Speaking of A-listers, Holly had plenty of star supporters while on our TV screens, as judge Nicole Scherzinger praised her ‘big voice’.

Her first audition is one X Factor fans will remember for decades to come, as the schoolgirl blew everyone away with her cover of If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys.

She was supported by her grandad, David Tandy, who sadly died in 2023.

Following his funeral, Holly tweeted: ‘Yesterday was my grandads funeral, we will miss him so much a huge thank you to both @radioleary and the @TheXFactor team for making this experience so special for him. I know how much my xfactor journey meant to him… RIP David Tandy x’

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