‘My dream came true after weight loss battle’
MEANWHILE, Louise McFarlane has told how winning her own weight-loss battle has made her singing dream come true.
Mum Louise, 41, is one of the members of ScotSoul who triumphed on BBC1’s new talent show Pitch Battle last night.
But Louise, from Balloch, only went on the show after having a gastric band fitted when her weight shot up to 23½ stone.
“I was in Prague for the operation when I got the call about the series,” Louise told The Sunday Post. “I was a bit out of it and trying to take the news in.
“To be honest, I wouldn’t have had the confidence to be seen by millions if it wasn’t for the operation and how it’s changed things.
“I’ve lost five-and-a-half stone so far and I’m on my way to my ideal weight of 12 stone. If I eat a boiled egg now I’m as full as if I’d had a three-course meal.”
Husband Des, 40, James Smart, 44, Shirley McAlpine, 44, and Natalie James, 35, are the others in ScotSoul.
Lifelong friends and all solo singers, they only formed the group in February.
Last night saw them win a place in next month’s big live final after being picked by guest judge, soul diva Chaka Khan.
“When I saw her walking towards us my jaw nearly hit the floor,” said James, a hypnotist who also does a Freddie Mercury tribute act.