Lucy Spraggan has spoken up about how much her ‘idol’ Robbie Williams meant to her, as well as the link he has to her ‘painful’ exit from The X Factor.
The singer was a fan favourite when she entered the ITV competition in 2012, but she ended ninth after quitting from the competition.
In her new autobiography Process, she revealed that she was raped by a hotel staff while on the programme, which was the actual reason she departed.
In a new Instagram photo, the 32-year-old celebrated being Robbie’s opening act as he played at the Royal Sandringham Estate in Norfolk on Sunday, August 27.
Sharing a picture of them together, as well as a video of herself performing on stage, Lucy wrote in her caption: ‘An unbelievable man ❤️🔥.’
She continued: ‘I’ve not told really told anyone this story, but it really affirms my faith in the universe and makes me feel like, eventually, if you keep going, losses become wins and goodness comes full circle.
‘The very day I had to leave the X Factor, it turns out, was the day Robbie Williams had come to individually mentor us contestants. That very traumatic day I lost a lot.’
Lucy revealed how, once she was ‘able to truly evaluate the damage’ to her career, she grieved the missed opportunity to meet Robbie, 49.
‘Later down the line, when I was able to really assess the damage that might have happened to my career, I knew that I not only had I lost the opportunity to continue with the show, but I also lost the opportunity to meet someone I had admired SO much growing up, a northern grafter whose music soundtracked my childhood,’ she wrote.
‘Someone who had truly inspired me and showed that you could be successful AND a natural ‘troublemaker’ (known in 2023 as ADHD 😂) and that you aren’t defined by where you’re from.’
However, 11 years later – practically to the day her X Factor audition aired in 2012 – she was finally able to meet the Angels singer face to person, and the experience was ‘even greater’.
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‘I supported Robbie Williams at his show. And what an unbelievable experience it was. What a crowd 🤩,’ she said.
‘After my set I went backstage to meet him and when I did, I told him this story. He asked me to come and sit down with him before he went on stage and we sat and chatted.
‘I can tell you right now, DO meet your heroes. Robbie, if you see this: Thank you, that meant the world 🙏.’
Lucy then revealed what Robbie said to her, stating: ‘“I was always rooting for you” he said before he left and went to perform one of the best shows I have ever seen. He is literally the greatest showman.
‘Once again, this man has inspired me even more. The universe is back on track.
And all is bloody wonderful. I love my life ❤️🔥.’
Several of Lucy’s fans rejoiced at her meeting with Robbie and the opportunity to support him on stage.
‘You deserve this so much. So happy for you ❤️,’ one person said, while another wrote: ‘Bursting with admiration for you!’
‘I watched you yesterday and you were absolutely amazing!!! The rain didn’t stop us singing and dancing along! Well done Lucy, you are a inspiration to us all…. Never stop ❤️,’ one comment read.
