The X Factor star has embraced a new “mindful” lifestyle, as she prioritises her “healing”.
Honey G rose to fame on The X Factor in 2016 (Image: ITV)
X Factor legend Honey G is unrecognisable after embracing a new “mindful” lifestyle, ten years after she first found fame.
The former contestant, whose real name is Anna Gilford, appeared on the 13th series of the singing competition, which was won by Matt Terry.
She’s since credited Simon Cowell’s show for changing her life after admitting she was in a dark place before The X Factor.
She previously said: “I’m very grateful for what X Factor did for me, it changed me. It’s boosted my confidence. Before X Factor, I was in a dark place, and it put me in a happier place.”
She’s now revealed that her life is completely different these days, worlds away from the look she had when she first auditioned for Missy Elliott’s Work It rap.
In a post yesterday, the TV star shared an unrecognisable picture on Instagram as she spoke about mindfulness.
Honey G wrote: “A lot of people think stress and burnout mean they’re doing something wrong — not managing their time well enough, not being disciplined enough, not trying hard enough.
“But often it’s not about effort at all. It’s about capacity.
“When your nervous system has been under pressure for a long time, even things that help — rest, journaling, movement, mindfulness — can feel hard to access. Not because you don’t care, but because your system is tired.
“Sometimes the most supportive thing we can do is stop pushing for change and start creating small pockets of safety and space, exactly where we are.
“Gentleness isn’t giving up. It’s often where healing actually begins.”
Alongside the caption, she posted an image of herself in a red headscarf and sunglasses, a far cry from the trademark cap and bomber jacket with which she rose to fame.
Her post was showered in support, with one fan writing: “So true! Sometimes we need to just relax and stop trying to do everything. It’s ok to take a break.”
Another said, “I love u, Honey G,” as a third wrote, “Thank you, Honey G, this was beautifully written. Very inspiring.”
The star has previously spoken about how she looks “completely different” after shedding two stone from gym workouts, which she often shares online.
She previously told The Daily Star in 2023: “I’ve had a personal trainer for the past two years and he’s helped me change my whole body shape. I’ve been doing triathlons as well. My body is quite robust because when I was younger, I used to be a county tennis player. But I’m combining it all with diet as well.
“It’s still ongoing, it is a work in progress, but I’m working really hard and just trying to be the best version of myself.”
She added, “The fitness transformation has given me the confidence to dress in more adventurous clothing and clothing that is more feminine. If I want to wear my tracksuits, I will rock them. If I want to put a dress on, then I can.
“I’m a strong independent woman and can rock whatever look I want and I just hope nobody criticizes me for it.”
