Kym Marsh has spoken out about the lasting impact of being publicly body-shamed during her time on the reality show Popstars. The 49-year-old actor, best known for roles in Coronation Street and Waterloo Road, recalled feeling “humiliated and ashamed” after TV producer Nigel Lythgoe called her “fat” in a resurfaced clip from 2001.
Marsh, who rose to fame as a member of the band Hear’Say, reflected on the incident in an interview with Prima Magazine. While acknowledging that the show launched her career, she contrasted the standards of the era with today, saying: “There were so many things that happened at that time that you’d never get away with today. … How dare you? It really upset me. I felt humiliated and ashamed, and insecure about myself.”
Hear’Say, formed on the series, enjoyed hits including ‘Pure And Simple’ before disbanding in 2002. Marsh left the door open for a reunion, stating: “I always laugh and say ‘never say never’ … We might pop up somewhere, just for a one-off performance down the line.”
Turning 50 in June, Marsh expressed a positive outlook and a desire to prioritise her health and wellbeing. “I’m not horrified about turning 50. Isn’t 50 the new 40? … I’ve decided that every month for the whole year, I’m going to do something to celebrate,” she said.
Professionally, Marsh is set to star in the stage production of Single White Female, premiering in January at Brighton’s Theatre Royal before a UK and Ireland tour. She described the play as “on the edge of your seat” material.
