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A former X Factor singer has been left heartbroken after losing both her parents and her dog in the same year.

Emma Chawner, who first appeared on the British reality television music competition in 2007, has issued a heartbreaking plea after what she said had been 'the year from hell.'

THIS IMAGE IS STRICTLY EMBARGOED FROM  REPRODUCTION UNTIL SATURDAY 22nd  SEPTEMBER</p>
<p>FROM ITV PICTURE DESK LONDON</p>
<p>X FACTOR on Saturday 22nd September 2007 on ITV1</p>
<p>Picture Shows: EMMA CHAWNER</p>
<p>The X Factor the UKs most popular entertainment show returns to ITV screens for an even bigger and better fourth series this Autumn.  The shows three infamous judges, Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh return with a new addition to the panel in the form of Dannii Minogue with Brian Friedman as creative director. The judges will put their names and reputations on the line as they scour the country to find the nations next singing sensation.  Dermot OLeary takes the reins as the shows brand new host, offering the contestants support, encouragement and at times, a shoulder to cry on, as well as keeping control over the always opinionated judging panel.</p>
<p>Photographer: Ken McKay.  Picture Source: Digital</p>
<p>This image is (C ) TalkBack Thames</p>
<p>For further picture information please contact:<br />
John Manthorpe 084488 13045
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Emma Chawner first auditioned for X Factor in 2007
EDITORIAL USE ONLY/ NO MERCHANDISING / NO BOOK PUBLISHING<br />
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Ken McKay/TalkbackThames / Rex Features ( 997849i )<br />
Sister Act, Emma and Samantha Chawner<br />
'X Factor' TV Programme. Auditions - 2009 -<br />
Manchester
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Emma and her sister Samantha audition for the X Factor in 2009
CLOSER PIC BERNARD ASHTON , SEE STORY LISA WOOLARD. 11.03.09</p>
<p>AUDREY AND PHILIP  CHAWNER HAVE NOT WORKED FOR 11 YEARS AND LIVE OFF BENEFITS BECAUSE THEY ARE OBESE. THEY LIVE WITH THIER TWO HEAVILY OVERWEIGHT DAUGHTERS SAM AND EMMA (LEFT).
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The family appeared on Too Fat To Work after not working for 11 years and living off benefits due to their obesity

The reality TV star revealed her father Philip passed away in hospital on December 15 following a heart attack.

The sad news followed the devastating loss of her mum, who died in her sleep in January at the age of 73.

Her dog also passed the day after.

During her stint on X Factor Emma and her family famously clashed with judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne, and Louis Walsh.

Read. More X Factor

She first auditioned for the contest, which sees contestants compete against each other to impress the judges to win a coveted record contract, in 2007.

Her rendition of Celine Dion’s 'My Heart Will Go On' received four rejections from the judges.

Not one to be defeated she returned two years later to duet with her sister.

They failed to hit the right note with the music moguls, however, with the singers' mother Audrey arguing with Simon after he called Emma a 'flump.'

Cheryl Tweedy also told her: “Emma, I have to say, you’re definitely more confident when you’ve got your sister with you. But nothing else has really improved, unfortunately.”

The Chawner family went on to appear in several other reality TV shows that saw them branded the 'fattest and laziest' family in Britain.

Emma Chawner's family appear on Channel 5's The Nightmare Neighbour Next Door

The family featured shows, including The Jeremy Kyle Show, Nightmare Neighbours in 2016, and a six-part ITV series in 2009 called Lorraine Kelly's Big Fat Challenge.

In the latter series, the TV presenter tried to help the family lose weight.

In 2020, Emma discussed her incredible 16-stone weight loss journey with Lorraine, telling the TV star she decided to lose weight after online trolling and the stress she encountered after her parents shock split in 2015.

At the time, Emma said on The Jeremy Kyle Show: ‘It was such a big shock" after her mum Audrey vanished, taking her clothes and leaving her wedding ring behind, leaving the family devastated.

Following her father's passing recently Emma launched an online GoFundMe fundraiser for his funeral, writing: "My dad was a lovely caring respectful man and I miss him so much."

"I only just lost my mum back in January this year and also my dog the day after my mum, so now I don't have any family left."

"I hate asking for help put this time I have no choice."

Loraine Kelly's Big fat challenge<br />
Loraine Kelly (Centre) with the Chawner family. Audley Chawner (mother) Phil Chawner (Father) Emma Chawner (front Right) Sam Chawner (front Left)<br />
©AETNUK & BSKYB / Daisybeck Productions
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The family also appeared on Loraine Kelly's Big Fat Challenge
Nightmare Neighbours Next Door. Emma Chawner and Sam Chawner Image provided by Channel 5
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Emma and Sam during their appearance on Nightmare Neighbours Next Door
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