In 2009, a then-16-year-old Daniels took the stage in front of Simon Cowell and millions of viewers, vying for a coveted record deal with Cowell’s label, Syco. His floppy blonde hair and boyish charm quickly became his trademarks as he sang his way to the quarter-finals of the show.

Mentored by pop star Cheryl Tweedy, Lloyd’s journey on The X Factor saw him finish in fifth place. Despite his youthful appeal and dedication, he faced criticism along the way, with Irish judge Louis Walsh famously branding some of his performances as akin to ‘karaoke’.

LIoyd was known for floppy blonde hair and his youthful appearance while fighting for his chance at winning a record deal with Simon’s record label Syco. 

He was mentored by Cheryl Tweedy and eventually finished in fifth place, with Irish judge Louis Walsh describing his performances as ‘karaoke’.

Lewis said at the time: ‘He is only 16 – he has got loads of time to blossom into a real star.’ 

These days fans of the singing competition will struggle to recognise him, with the 32 year old’s macho looks.

LIoyd Daniels looks unrecognisable 16 years on from this X Factor appearance after undergoing a hair transplant (pictured in 2009)

He was mentored by Cheryl Tweedy and eventually finished in fifth place, with Irish judge Louis Walsh describing his performances as ‘karaoke’

These days fans of the singing competition will struggle to recognise him, with the 32 year old’s macho looks

In 2017 LIoyd had a hair transplant, and opened up about his insecurities brought on by his receding hairline.

He wrote on his Facebook account at the time: ‘There are ways of making a difference to how you feel within. Mine starts tomorrow. I hope this inspires some of you to make a step if you feel how I’ve felt for a long time! 

‘Thank you for all your support! I really mean it – I hope that people can realise that this is a struggle for some and that there is a way of maintaining comfort with a hair transplant if you’ve suffered hair loss, whether you are male or female.’ 

Five years ago, LIoyd revealed to fans how he had fallen for a man while taking part in The X Factor, though felt compelled to keep his first relationship under wraps.

He admitted: ‘I met someone on the show and we really clicked. I’d never had that emotion towards guys. I knew it was more than a friendship and it slowly unfolded. I ended up being with them for over a year.

‘It was odd to accept it because I was going through a huge change in my life joining the music industry, I thought ‘am I going mad?’ I felt off-colour.

‘The hardest part about it was not being able to talk about it. 

‘I won’t say I was under oath, but to that somewhat extent I couldn’t talk about it because of my status.

Five years ago, LIoyd revealed to fans how he had fallen for a man while taking part in The X Factor, though felt compelled to keep his first relationship under wraps

In 2017 LIoyd had a hair transplant, and opened up about his insecurities brought on by his receding hairline

Last year LIoyd announced he was engaged following a romantic proposal by his boyfriend Joel Harper-Jackson 

‘I had to aim my marketing towards teenage girls, that was what was going to sell the whole ‘Lloyd Daniels, X Factor self’.

‘I felt really suppressed, like I wasn’t being my true self.

‘It was really, really hard. I totally get that’s how the music industry works. It’s different now to how it was ten years ago.’

Last year LIoyd announced he was engaged following a romantic proposal by his boyfriend Joel Harper-Jackson in Paris.

Joel said at the time: ‘How could I not ask him? He’s changed my life and changed me for the better. I’m honoured to call this wonderful human being my fiancé.’ 

Beaming LIoyd then wrote: ‘We’re engaged! I’ve never been so happy. I love you.’