What happened to the X Factor series one finalists?

In August of 2004, a series of adverts hit our screens for a totally new talent search. Unlike 'Pop Idol', this show wanted people of all ages, groups and acts 'who could play instruments and write their own songs' (no, really). 'The X Factor' was born.

There were also new-fangled categories for the three judges to take on after they'd narrowed the acts down. Simon Cowell was assigned over-25s, Louis Walsh got the groups and Sharon Osbourne the 16–24s.

It was a smash hit, of course, with over 50,000 people auditioning – though for some perspective, last year's show had 200,000 entrants.

And when Kate Thornton (now a fixture of 'Loose Women') announced the nine finalists, the show went into over-drive.

There were spats between Simon and Sharon – she poured a Coke over him, her son Jack told the papers that he was a slimeball ('I'd be surprised if he could spell that,' was Simon's dry riposte) and the show was won by the hapless Steve Brookstein. Here we look at what happened to him and some of the other notable finalists.

Steve Brookstein (winner, mentored by Simon Cowell)
After falling out spectacularly with Simon over whether he should have to sing cover versions or not, Steve Brookstein has been erased from the official history of 'The X Factor'. His career has faltered after his number one album 'Heart And Soul' in 2005. After the album came the row and he was released from his contract with Cowell's label. The following year's '40,000 Things' failed to break the top 75 and a tour was cancelled due to lack of sales. He could be seen singing in a pub in Cornwall for £2.50 earlier this year.

Find out more at http://www.stevebrookstein.com/

Tabby Callaghan (third, mentored by Sharon Osbourne)
Irish rocker Tabby reckons he would have been better off without the show.  After a brief spell on an ITV2 reality show called 'What Tabby Did Next' in 2005, he released his debut single (in Ireland only) called 'Number One'. It peaked at No.7. After the follow-ups failed, he had a succession of nine record deals that came to nothing and admits he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. He's presently working on an album called 'Bread vs Art'.

Find out more at http://www.myspace.com/tabbyofficial

Voices With Soul (sixth, mentored by Louis Walsh)
In a rather heart-warming way, the Luton-based mum, daughter and auntie (Grace, Hildia, and Corene Campbell) combo remain in touch with Sharon Osbourne – even though Louis was their mentor - and frequently fly out to meet up with her and Ozzy. Their debut album was released last year but only managed to make it to number 83 on the charts. They are available to perform at private parties.

Find out more at http://www.myspace.com/voiceswithsoul

G4 (second, mentored by Louis)
Though the 'P-opera' group finished second, they were described by Simon Cowell as 'The real winners of the show'. The group - Mathew Stiff, Jonathan Ansell, Michael Christie, Ben Thapa – signed a million-dollar deal with his label and had two platinum albums before splitting in 2007 after a series of arguments. While most of the band are concentrating on solo work, Ansell is presently touring in a musical version of 'Lark Rise To Candleford'.

Rowetta Satchell (fourth, mentored by Simon Cowell)
Rowetta's career has been blighted by alcohol (she was a backing singer for The Happy Mondays). Last year, now sober, she admitted to being drunk on all her appearances on the show. She has continued to sing and has toured with a variety of acts including Peter Hook and Sheila Ferguson. There are rumours that she is the mystery voice on the Black Eyed Peas song 'Boom Boom Pow'.

Find out more at http://www.rowetta.com/

Other acts: Roberta Howett, who holds the unwelcome record of being the first person ever to be voted off the live rounds, released her debut single in February 2010. It reached number 23 in the Irish chart. Verity Keays, who was then 55, was second off and now only does charity events. Charlotte Church-alike Cassie Compton sang in 'Les Miserables' and had a guest role in 'Casualty'. And the poppy double-act 2 To Go are now playing working men's clubs in Mansfield.