Megan: ‘I’ll never, ever have surgery again’
She’s leaving Essex behind for the world stage
‘I could never go back to who I was – I’m embarrassed’
There’s no denying Megan Mckenna’s dreams are coming true. She trained in musical theatre and auditioned for both The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent before we even really knew who she was. But then a left turn into reality TV brought Megan into our lives in a big way.
Now 27, Megan’s appearances on Ex On The Beach, TOWIE and an explosive stay in the Celeb Big Brother house (where she received a formal warning for aggressive behaviour) are the images Megan is hoping to make us forget with her heart-breaking songs and stunning vocals on The X Factor: Celebrity…
Do you feel like you’re living your dream right now?
Oh my God, yes, completely. It’s so much fun. The fact that I’m getting to sing and perform my own music is amazing.
Simon criticised your glam outfit on the first week. Was that upsetting?
No, I didn’t take it to heart. I’m onstage, it’s going to be a stagey outfit. I took it as a good thing, because the only negative he said was about my outfit, so he must like my music.
Are you nervous about singing your original songs when they’re particularly personal?
I feel like it’s easier for me to perform when it’s from the heart. I’m not nervous about singing them, but I suppose it’s like reading your diary to the nation. I’m telling my stories.
How did you find the reaction to your new stripped-back, more natural look?
I’ve definitely stripped it back for a while now, so it’s nice that people are seeing that I’m taking it seriously. As I’ve said, I’ve had my lip fillers dissolved – I was so sick of people judging me. I had my own issues, but now I feel good with myself, I’m happy and I like the more stripped-back look. I feel like I look ten years younger, too. My big lips made me look old!
Would you ever have surgery like that again?
I would never, ever go back to what I was. I look back at myself and I’m embarrassed by the pictures. Being on telly for four years with my lips like that, it’s embarrassing. But I still have to deal with it – it’s all part of me, it’s all part of my story.
Are you hoping to shed your reality star image?
I’m really grateful for all the shows that I’ve done, but I really want to be taken seriously with my music. It’s more difficult for me to make it as a singer, because of all the reality TV. But hopefully, people can see past that and see how much this means to me. ■