Katie Waissel claims 'X Factor' stopped her leaving the show amid death threats

X Factor contestant Katie Waissel has claimed she tried to leave the show when she began to receive death threats, but "preventative measures" kept her on board.

Waissel competed on X Factor in 2010 as part of the series which featured Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction.

Read more: Katie Waissel thanks NHS after emergency hospital visit

The 36-year-old singer told the Daily Star that the axed reality show "wasn't a platform for me or anybody" to succeed.

She said: "The general viewers or public watching a show like that are literally manipulated into believing that it offers a once in a lifetime opportunity for people and makes them famous and makes them rich. It does not."

Watch: Little Mix didn't read contracts before signing on for The X Factor

Waissel said she experienced death threats during her tenure on the show and received protection from ITV, which she claims would no longer have been in place if she had quit.

"I was numb emotionally and petrified," the star, who is now hoping to become a lawyer, added.

"I had to push on through but there were also things that went on behind the scenes like preventative measures for me exiting, so all around, not so great."

Read more: Fleur East says X Factor should've come with a warning

Waissel said she wishes she could go back and erase her decision to take part on the show, which was cancelled in 2021 after running for 15 series.

She has now reached out to justice secretary Dominic Raab in the hope of securing the ability for creatives to file a claim under the Human Rights Act when they face abuse.

Waissel is one of several stars to speak out against the way they were treated while competing on The X Factor, including twin singing group Jedward.

In a Twitter rant, the duo said X Factor creator Simon Cowell is "nothing but a bad facelift" and accused the show of exploiting contestants.

Read more: Jedward say they have been blocked by Piers Morgan

They added: "Every contestant on The X Factor was a slave to the show and got paid zero while they made millions.

"The fact that every contestant has to act like their judge mentors them, when in reality all they care about is their pay check."

Yahoo Entertainment UK has contacted ITV to ask for a comment.

Watch: JLS think The X Factor should return to TV screens