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Singer Lucy Spraggan spoke like a fellow X factor Contestant Rylan Clark came to her aid after she was sexually assaulted by a hotel porter while competing on the ITV talent show in 2012.
Talk to the first We need to talk the whole circle roundtable episode, Spraggan recalls how Clark checked in after a night out and helped preserve evidence that ultimately enabled police to identify the man who attacked her.
Spraggan described Clark as “one of the most spiritual, wonderful people on this planet,” and credited him with taking control of a terrifying situation when she was unable to do it herself.
“It was Rylan’s birthday party. We did what we always do. We went out and we got wasted,” she said.
Spraggan explained that a runner took her back to her hotel room after she became heavily intoxicated. When Clark returned from the party in the early hours of the morning, something prompted him to check on her.
“He pushed on my door, and the latch was on my door, and he came in and he checked if I was breathing. Because I was unconscious,” she recalled.
Clark closed the door completely before the hotel porter later returned with a keycard to let himself into her room, according to Spraggan.
The following morning, Spraggan said she ran away from the hotel to begin a busy morning of production while the police were contacted.
“I got into this taxi. I’m like, ‘Rylan, this thing – this thing happened,’ and this guy just controlled the whole moment,” she said.
Spraggan said Clark returned to her room and stood outside, refusing to let cleaners or other staff inside.
“Wouldn’t let a cleaner in. Wouldn’t let a person in, said, ‘Don’t touch that room,'” she recalled.
The singer explained that Porter was identified because he had to use his keycard to enter her room. She believes Clark’s actions were crucial in making sure police were able to determine who entered.
“If Rylan hadn’t locked the door, he wouldn’t have had to use his keycard,” she said. “He was an employee and if it wasn’t for Rylan, they wouldn’t have found him.”
Porter was subsequently arrested and convicted of the attack, receiving a 13-year prison sentence, according to a report by the Daily Mail.
Lucy Spraggan was publicly blamed for leaving The X Factor
Spraggan also reflects on the path of her departure The X Factor was presented to the viewer.
She competed in the 2012 series, performing during the first three live shows before leaving the competition. At the time, the public was told she was unwell.
Spraggan said the statement led to people accusing her of wasting her opportunity.
“They told the public that I was bad and it meant that people came up to me in the street and said, ‘Oh, you pissed on the wall, didn’t you? Bad hangover, that’s why you didn’t do it,'” she said. “And the press went along with it.”
The singer has previously spoken publicly about the attack and the impact it had on her life. In the round table, she reflected more broadly on her experience of the program, and described her relationship with The X Factor as “abused” and says she lost herself for about a decade after getting an opportunity that helped launch her career.
Spraggan also recalled being asked about her grandmother’s death during the competition and seeing the loss in her televised introduction shortly before a performance.
The X Factor has faced criticism in recent years over allegations of bullying and welfare failures. A spokesperson for the program previously said the welfare of employees is taken extremely seriously and described measures including dedicated welfare staff, medical support and aftercare.
Rylan Clark’s support made a lasting difference
Spraggan’s account highlights the importance of Clark’s decisive response at a moment when she was vulnerable and needed someone to act on her behalf.
Rylan Clark, an out gay man, has since become a prominent TV and radio presenter and an outspoken figure in British entertainment. Spraggan, who is a lesbian and has been open about her gender-fluid identity, has pursued her music career since leaving the program. She has released several albums and built a loyal audience through touring and independent work.
Reflecting on the attack, she made clear how important Clark’s actions were in helping police identify the perpetrator.
If you are affected by this story, support is available. For mental health support, contact Samaritans for free on 116 123, any time, day or night. For confidential support after rape or sexual assault, contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line on 0808 500 2222 or visit 247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Readers in the United States can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. For confidential support after sexual assault, contact the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673, text HOPE to 64673, or visit rainn.org/hotline
