Throwback romance: five X Factor pairings we totally forgot about

13 years since the show began – we know, scary – X Factor has given us so much more than musical talent.

Yes, some of our favourite ships have come from the ITV reality show so we’re taking a trip down X Factor memory lane to remind ourselves of all the couples who stole our hearts over the years.

1. Frankie Cocozza and Amelia Lily

Back in 2011, Frankie and Amelia Lily sent tabloids into a frenzy when they were spotted getting very flirty at the contestants’ hotel.

2. Stacey Solomon and Olly Murs

Viewer favourites Stacey and Olly became close when they appeared on the show back in 2009 so much that Stacey said Olly was her “best friend in the world”.

3. Zayn Malik and Rebecca Ferguson

Before there was Perrie there was Rebecca. Zayn and Rebecca were dating while on the reality show in 2011 and were often spotted out and about holding hands and on romantic dates.

4. Diana Vickers and Eoghan Quigg

Teenage sweathearts Diana and Eoghan were constantly hounded with questions about their relationship. While they never actually confirmed the rumours, that didn’t stop us putting their name in hearts.

5. Wagner and Mary Byrne

Yes, this was a thing. In 2010, Wagner (with a W) and Mary were said to have done a lot of flirting eventually going on to date.