As Rylan Clark shows his support for Lucy Spraggan, how long have they been friends?

X-Factor star Lucy Spraggan has revealed the real reason she left the ITV show in 2012.At the time it was reported that Lucy, 31, left the series because of an illness but has now revealed the truth was that she was raped by a hotel porter after celebrating Rylan Clark’s 25th birthday in London. 

In her new memoir, Process: Finding My Way Through, Lucy who has waived her right to anonymity given to the victims of sexual offences to tell her story explains that after a night out in London for Rylan’s birthday, she was attacked.

Lucy was escorted back to her hotel by a member of the production team when a hotel porter offered to take her back to her room where she was assaulted. The singer who was favourite to win was given financial and medical support in the immediate aftermath and an arrest was made. 

Speaking on his podcast Ry-Union released last year, Rylan shared his support for his friend of 11 years. He said “I remember thinking she's special, that girl, and to have that taken away from you with that not remotely in any way shape or form being anything to do with you, I was gutted for you.

Rylan added: “From a non selfish point of view I dread to think what would happen if you were alone and if you had to deal with this by yourself. We were the only two that were part of it and yeah it was difficult, it was difficult having to deal with it all.”

The pair first met when they appeared on series nine of The X-Factor and have been close friends ever since. The series also featured James Arthur who went on to win the show and Nicole Scherzinger and Gary Barlow as judges. 

Lucy has praised Rylan for his friendship and unwavering support over the years whilst she came to terms with what happened to her. As well as being a guest on his podcast the pair have been spotted together at many events, including the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2021.

Lucy split from wife Georgina Gordon four years ago. The former couple were married for six years and fostered 12 children together. In April the singer was seen stepping out with new partner  Evangeline as they enjoyed a night out in Manchester.

Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse is available from Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.