In an exclusive interview, Aston Merrygold, the 38-year-old singer and actor best known as a member of JLS, has shared his true feelings about the X Factor, describing the early days of fame as 'dangerous'. The father of three also expressed his sorrow over the tragic death of fellow X Factor alum Liam Payne, who died at the age of 31.
Reflections on Early Fame
Aston, who shot to fame with JLS after finishing as runners-up on the 2008 series of X Factor, revealed that he was once in the 'exact same space' as One Direction's Liam Payne. He recalled being 20 years old when he appeared on the show, noting how easy it would have been to go off the rails. 'The things that are thrown at you, given to you, the doors that are open. Your best interests aren't always going to be at the forefront of things,' he said.
He continued: 'When you look at someone like Liam and the rest of the One Direction boys, we were in the exact same space at one point. And our paths crossed, of course they did. From the outside it's all very shiny, life looks incredible but it's scary. It's scary to think of how Liam was feeling.'
The Dangers of Success at a Young Age
Aston emphasised the perils of achieving massive success at a young age. 'As a kid, you're given the opportunities to be standing center stage in front of thousands of people. They've bought a ticket. There's money that goes into that ticket that goes into several people's pockets including yours. That can turn into a lot of money, and a lot of success at a young age. That's very dangerous,' he explained.
The singer was deeply affected by the news of Liam's death in October 2024, when the 31-year-old fell from a third-floor balcony in Argentina while under the influence of drugs. The tragedy occurred nine years after One Direction—comprising Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik—split up, having sold over 70 million records worldwide since forming on the 2010 X Factor.
JLS's Renaissance and Personal Growth
JLS, which also includes Marvin Humes (41), JB Gill (39), and Oritsé Williams (39), has sold more than 10 million records worldwide and achieved five UK number ones. The band is currently enjoying a renaissance with a series of sold-out shows this summer. Aston, who lives in Hertfordshire with his wife Sarah (42), a dancer and choreographer, and their three children—Grayson (eight), Macaulay (five), and Riley (two)—says life in the spotlight is now very different.
'When I appeared on X Factor I was 20—four years older than Liam. It's early adulthood, you don't really know what's happening in life. My best friends in the world were still in uni, getting battered every weekend, while I was flying across the world. You're not guided in any way, you're just kind of thrown out there. It's, 'you want to be an entertainer—go do it'. As a child you're always going to be attracted to the sparkly shiny stuff,' he said.
'It's a very tempting but dangerous industry in that sense. And for life to just be kind of taken away like that [of Liam] is just heartbreaking for his friends, family, son. As a dad now, you go, 'Oh my god'. It gives you shivers. The life we embarked on is such a whirlwind.'
A Second Chance
After JLS split in 2013 and played a farewell concert at London's O2 Arena, the members released a greatest hits album and pursued solo careers. However, they reunited in 2020, and Aston expressed gratitude for the opportunity. 'I'm so grateful to be able to come back and do it as an adult and get a second chance. In our industry, you grow up fast and you have to have thick skin. Everything is being watched on a massive microscope. It's daunting. But I've learned over the years that it's the entertainment industry, it's really not that serious. I'm not doing heart transplants or brain surgery,' he said.
'Fame's cool and money's great, but there are a lot more valuable things in life. And these days, my rider is mainly full of snacks for my kids!'
Aston has also voiced an audiobook for Bupa Dental Care, The Dentist's Apprentice by Jennifer Gray, designed to help children understand the dentist.
