X Factor contestant Kerry McGregor loses cancer battle

Former Scottish X Factor contestant Kerry McGregor passed away at her home in West Lothian yesterday after losing her long battle with cancer.

The 37-year-old mother from Pumpherston, West Lothian, appeared on the third series of the show in 2006 and went on to enjoy chart success, as well as earning acclaim as an actress.

Her success was all the more remarkable as she had seen her dreams of becoming a dancer shattered at the age of just 13 when she broke her spine falling from a tree.

Despite being confined to a wheelchair from then on, she was always determined that her disability would not stop her living life to the full.

In 2006, she became a household name after reaching the finals of X Factor, where she was mentored by Sharon Osbourne.

Commenting via her Twitter page last night, Osbourne wrote: “So sad about Kerry McGregor’s passing. Much love and respect to her and her family.”