Gillian is a nutritionist and is famous for te popular Channel 4 series, 'You Are What You Eat'.  Her recent book, Dr. Gillian McKeith's Ultimate Health Plan has been a Number 1 bestseller in the UK for a record 12 weeks.  Her books follow a no nonsense approach and her mission is to "empower people to help themselves and improve their quality of life."  As for singing, Gillian believes that it feeds and nourishes the soul.  

Q&As
Why did you want to take part in the series?
I think I must have had a momentary lapse and lost my marbles. But seriously, there are actually two primary reasons why I am doing this show: First, this is a great opportunity to raise money for my charity. Second, this is my chance to set the example of ‘going beyond your comfort zone.’ I constantly teach people to go beyond their comfort zone and challenge themselves to do something new. This helps you grow as a person.

How has the vocal training been going?
I need a year of it not a week of it.

Which of the judges are you most nervous facing?
They should be more worried about facing me. I don’t mince my words.

Which judge would you like to be your mentor?
Sharon

Are you terrified about singing live?
I was cool as a cucumber, calm and collected all along. But as the big event gets closer, I notice that things are starting to change. For example, just yesterday when I had to sing in front of four voice teachers, my hand, sheet music and body started to involuntarily shake violently. I have never shaken before in front of any public event or camera. So now I am starting to wonder what will happen when I am faced with an auditorium full of people and millions of viewers, if I am having a problem with four voice teachers. Last night I even had a nightmare that I was singing a song that kept repeating and repeating. I could not get away from the song. It kept running after me. I think I am starting to unravel.

How will you react to the judges if they give you negative comments?
I will come after them with an enema tube and wash out their bad attitude. Then I will force-feed them my Aduki Bean and Hemp Seed Bake.

What past singing experience have you got?
When I was seven years old, I sang at my auntie’s wedding. I sang the song ‘Puppet On A String’, in a whisper. You could hardly hear me, I was so scared, purple with embarrassment and glued to the spot.

Who would be most surprised if you were to win the competition?
The X Factor Judges!

What do your friends/family/colleagues think of you taking part?
I’ve been trying to keep it a secret. My mum doesn’t even know yet.

Do you come from a musical family?
My mum can play the bottle tops.

What is your karaoke song?
I only ever did it once. I was in New Jersey. I sang ‘Stand By Me’ and it was an absolute disaster to the point that the whole place was laughing their heads off. It was awful.

Who is your singing inspiration/favourite artists?
1. Scissor Sisters
2. Black Eyed Peas
3. The Pussycat Dolls.

How does taking part in this competition compare to your normal job?
It’s the same. I will be doing my tongue lashings as normal but they will be directed at the judges instead of my bad eaters. In fact the other singing contestants won’t be spared either, when I look at their food backstage and inspect their poos!

What scares you most: the thought of singing live or the judges’ comments?
What actually scares me the most is the thought of potentially being exposed to Louis Walsh’s poo and accompanying smell.

Other than the vocal training have you been doing any of your own preparations?
Eating loads of raw shelled hemp seeds and drinking shots of wild blue green liquid algae. I have created the Gillian McKeith X Factor diet. So I know I will be in tip top form. It consists of Goji Berry smoothies for breakfasts, Aduki Bean Bake with sprouts and Raw Shelled Hemp Seed Soup and continuous shots of liquid wild blue green algae.

Would you have applied for the X Factor if you weren’t famous?
You must be joking.

Are you in it to win it or is it the taking part that counts?
I am passionate about going the whole way because I can raise more money for my charity and get my message out.

What other projects are you currently working on?
I just launched my new online Personal Health Profiles. They are like a Virtual one-to-one nutrition consultation with me. I get so many calls and letters from people who want to see me, it’s impossible to see them all, so I’ve developed a programme whereby people can get a one-to-one consultation with me online – I’m really excited about it.