Sami's refusing to shed the pounds

Sami won't lose weight now she's made the live finals

Published: 12:16am, 8th October 2011
Updated: 7:33pm, 8th October 2011

Sami Brookes has refused to lose weight for the X Factor - and she is being backed up by her mentor, Louis Walsh.

The 31-year-old, from Rhyl, North Wales, said she was surviving on a diet of "curries and Curly Wurlys".

She added: "Louis texted me and said 'Under no circumstances... do not lose weight because you will lose your identity. People like you because you're real'."

The singer, who hopes the show will land her a role in a West End musical, said: "I haven't got that look, which I'm aware of. I'm 31 years old, I'm a size bloody 20, I'm not your typical stereotype pop star."

Sami, who was brought back into the show when eccentric act Goldie quit, said she had already planned to try again on the show next year.

She said: "I was devastated when I thought the little journey, the little dream, had ended.

"I was gutted but I just thought maybe it's not my turn. You can't be selfish in life, think positively, don't be bitter and next year try again and have a few dance lessons."