ormer S Club 7 singer Rachel Stevens has been revealed as a guest judge on X Factor New Zealand. The 35-year-old singer joined Melanie Blatt to help her coach the ‘groups’ category and put the bands through their paces. Spending time with the young hopefuls made Rachel miss her old S Club days. Speaking about her experience Rachel, who spent a week in New Zealand, said: ‘It was an exciting week and great fun to be part of the show. I got quite nostalgic seeing the young bands enjoying themselves, creating new styles and sounds. It was lovely to be part of.’ She added: ‘I had a great time in S Club and know how much they’ve got to look forward to. Being back in New Zealand, albeit briefly was a pleasure and I’m excited for Mel and for the show.’ Rachel arrived in style to the judge’s retreat in Mahurangi, 40 miles north of Auckland to surprise contestants. The nervous wannabes barely had chance to take in that All Saints singer Mel would be guiding them through the competition before Rachel was unveiled as a guest judge. It seems that Rachel impressed TV bosses on the show and John McDonald, Co-Exec Producer of X Factor NZ said; ‘Rachel was the perfect addition to help Mel with her decision and she did a great job. Her feedback was incredibly valuable to the contestants and to Mel having been very successful in a band herself. Plus she was a natural in front of the camera.’
– DailyMail