Leona Lewis has said that the X Factor has become more intrusive in recent series. She admitted that had the show been so invasive in earlier years, it may have out her off entering.

Leona told Company magazine: “The show is much more intrusive now – you see pictures of people’s families a lot more than when I was on – they seem to dig a bit deeper.”

She continued: “I don’t know if that would have affected my decision to go on, because I am such a private person.”

On what Simon Cowell is like in real life Leona said:

“He’s very powerful and confident on the outside, but I think he’s quite shy really – he gives off a persona and that’s his thing, but it’s almost like a character. That’s why we get along… and we both love animals.”

On the subject of her long term relationship with Lou Al-Chamaa she admitted:

“I don’t see us getting married for a long time yet – you really need to be certain with someone before you get married and, besides, my parents only married about four or five years ago so I just don’t believe you have to get married to be happy together.”