The Chase’s ‘Vixen’ Jenny Ryan sends internet wild with secret singing talent

The Chase star Jenny Ryan may be best known for her incredible quiz skills on the UK version of the TV show, but it’s her secret singing talent that’s made her an internet sensation this week.

The Chaser, nicknamed ‘The Vixen’ on the show, took time away from her usual show alongside the likes of Anne Hegerty and Mark Labbett to compete in UK talent show X Factor: Celebrity recently. And her incredible rendition of Queen’s ‘Somebody To Love’ earned her a standing ovation from the judges.

Beginning the song with a deep soulful voice, reminiscent of Cher’s tone, she hit every note perfectly before ending on an amazing high note to show off her vocal range. At that point Simon sat back gobsmacked at the change, while her fellow contestants applauded her.

However, despite instantly being inundated with support from viewers at home, Jenny was later eliminated from the show by judge and singer Nicole Scherzinger – a decision she’s since admitted left her in tears. It sparked a huge outcry from the public, with many slamming the decision and insisting she was the best in her category.

Clearly not happy with the decision, X Factor boss Simon personally called her to invite her back on the show. Speaking on UK chat show This Morning just hours ago, Jenny said of the moment she was eliminated: “I came home, cried a little bit, ate quite a lot of ice-cream… Then I got a phone call after what felt like the longest time, it was quite a wait, and I got a call from Simon inviting me to come back.”

She added: “I was not expecting that level of support from the public. After my first audition, the flood of comments I got on social media was overwhelming.

“It was so uplifting and so wonderful. I have to say thank you who took the time to write in and make their feelings known. That wave of affection and admiration is enough to lift anybody.”

While Jenny admitted she knew choosing Queen’s iconic song for her first hit was a risk, she believed she had to give it her all. And while she hasn’t previously spoken of her singing talent, she said it’s something she’s loved for years.

“I’ve always enjoyed singing and I’ve always tried to get some singing in in my hobbies… I never thought I had that kind of voice. I’ve always learned to sing quite classically, like Julie Andrews from the back of the throat and out… Pop singing is a whole new skill set to learn,” she added on the show.

The initial decision to boot Jenny off the show sparked outrage on Twitter, with one person commenting: “Absolutely barbaric that Jenny Ryan didn’t get through on X Factor. She’s incredible and what the hell. Ridiculous. Standing ovation but not good enough for live shows??”

I was DEVASTATED that the judges didn't put me through, but the tidal wave of love & support I got from you all was incredibly uplifting, I am SO grateful. I'm thrilled to have been thrown this lifeline, I won't let you down. See you at the Lives on Saturday! #XFactorCelebrity pic.twitter.com/mV0Aoxpp0M

— Jenny Ryan (@jenlion) October 21, 2019

Another added: “Some extremely bad decisions last night. Sending Jenny Ryan home – the worst one – amazing range, fantastic voice. One of the few people to own a Queen song. You want a celeb with the X FACTOR? Why send the one person home that has it?? Total joke.”

Jenny later responded to the support after getting that all important call, writing on social media: “I was DEVASTATED that the judges didn’t put me through, but the tidal wave of love & support I got from you all was incredibly uplifting, I am SO grateful. I’m thrilled to have been thrown this lifeline, I won’t let you down. See you at the Lives on Saturday!”

She’s also had support from her fellow Chaser Hegerty, who retweeted a message on Twitter which read: “HOLY F***ING S**T!!! #TheVixen was PHENOMENAL!who knew she had a voice like that?! How has she not already got a record deal?”