X Factor star Lorna Simpson poses with shotgun in shocking picture exclusive

X Factor star Lorna Simpson poses with shotgun in shocking picture exclusive

X Factor star Lorna Simpson poses with a deadly pump action shotgun in a picture that will shock fans of the family show.

The singer, 26, was seen weeping with joy on last night’s show after judge Sharon Osbourne put her through to the live rounds following a brilliant performance in Los Angeles.

But the Sunday People can reveal that Lorna’s life off-screen is far from idyllic - after she married a convicted “Yardie” cocaine dealer.

Gunna go far: Lorna Simpson with the gun

 

She posted the shocking picture of her posing with the huge 18 inch 12-bore pump action riot control shotgun on to her own YouTube channel in February - just weeks before her first X Factor audition.

There is also a separate picture of her making a sickening shooting gesture with her fingers on her Facebook page.

The images last night sparked outrage from anti-gun campaigners, who accused her of being “irresponsible” and of “glamorising guns”.

When contacted by the Sunday People, Lorna claimed the gun belonged to a policeman - who lent it to her for the picture.

Showing off her guns: X factor contestant Lorna Simpson on Facebook

 

She said: “This picture was taken in Jamaica and is a policeman’s gun. I have never and would never condone violence of any sort and have participated in charity concerts promoting anti gun-crime messages.

“I was just 18 years old when I met my ex and it was a very troubled relationship. I was young and naïve and he controlled and abused me.

"I am proud to have escaped him and am hoping that X Factor will give me the opportunity to better my life.”

Lorna, who is now studying business finance at university, was brought up by her parents Charmaine and Peter in Croydon, south London, before they divorced.

Heartbroken: With ex Errol

She met Jamaican Errol Gordon, now 32, while he was living in the UK and fell “head over heels in love” with him.

But in March 2008, he was sentenced to 12 months in jail at Croydon Crown Court before being forced to leave the UK when his visa was not renewed.

She joined him in the Caribbean shortly afterwards where she hoped to start a new life with her badboy lover.

But she ended up fleeing the home they shared in St Catherine, Jamaica, before going on the run and returning to UK after their relationship broke down and she claimed he turned abusive towards her.

Family are now terrified he may attempt to track her down again and get back in touch when he realises she’s on the verge of stardom on the hit ITV1 show.

Going from strength to strength: Lorna at the Judges Houses stage

A close family friend told the Sunday People: “Lorna has had a terrible time.

“She went to Jamaica for a fresh start with Errol and they got married there but her Caribbean dream ended up turning into an absolute nightmare and she came back after two and a half years.

“She was completely destroyed when she got back. Her confidence was totally shattered and she was utterly heartbroken.

“Her family are really worried Errol is going to try and get back in touch with her now. They’re all living in fear that he could wreck her dream.

“This guy was selling drugs and being abusive to her constantly belittling her.

“She just couldn’t handle it anymore. She needed her mum, it was a horrendous time for her. Her mum Charmaine ordered her to come home.

“Her mum had never liked him, she felt he was corrupting her daughter and leading her down the wrong path and that she was too young to be getting involved with him.

Vocals: Lorna wowed Sharon Osbourne

“He always wore expensive clothes and jewellery, he was always blinged up big time.

“Lorna’s mum described him as a ‘Yardie man’ and said he was no good. She had him sussed from the start, but sadly it took Lorna a little longer to discover his true character.

“Everyone knew he had a sinister side. He was dealing Class A drugs - it was really serious stuff.

“The only good thing that came out of her going there was that she entered and won Tastee Talent over there.

“The truth is looking at her now she is almost unrecognisable because she has put on so much weight comfort eating to deal with her heartbreak.

“But it’s amazing that she’s turned things round and is going from strength to strength on X Factor. She’s so strong now. She’s an inspiration.”

 

Nailed it: Sharon Osbourne with Lorna Simpson

Lorna, from Croydon, south London, last night wowed judge Sharon Osbourne and pop king Robbie Williams at the judge’s houses stage singing If I Were A Boy by Beyonce.

Take That star Robbie said: “The vocals were on point, it was a lovely version of a great song. She absolutely knocked that out of the ball park.”

And Sharon told her: “You sang really well. You nailed it vocally, you nailed it.”

Down-to-earth Lorna told the X Factor cameras: “I’m just a normal girl from South London and when I lined up for hours and hours at the London Excel I never actually dreamed I would get here.

I just feel like I really gave everything, I gave it my all. I just kept remembering it was that one last shot. God I didn’t realise how big this is.

“I cannot believe I’m in Los Angeles, it’s like a dream come true. I’m always reminding myself that I am here. I was doing that on the plane as well. I was like “oh my god, I’m here, I’m o n the way to LA.”

Gone up in smoke: Lorna poses

“Before I came for my audition I was just a normal girl going to uni, I tried to keep up with my course work but all I could think about was doing X Factor. I’ve always loved singing but I haven’t always had the confidence.

“One day a neighbour heard me singing through my wall and she knocked on my door and handed me an application for the X Factor and it’s got me to here and I’m so grateful.

“I’m one step away from my dreams and I’m going to give it everything I’ve got.”

Firearms expert Bruce Jones told the Sunday People: “This gun appears to be a 12-bore 18” barrel pump action combat shotgun. It’s a large weapon.

“It is a multi-shot weapon - making it illegal in the United Kingdom - and it’s a very dangerous firearm indeed.

“As well as being illegal due to it being a mult-shot weapon, the barrel is too short to be permitted in the UK.

“It’s usual legal use is by police aut horities abroad for the purposes of riot control and at very close range for hostage release. It provides them with a hale of lead shot.”

Only a game: Revealing picture on Lorna's Facebook page

A source close to the show last night told the Sunday People: “Lorna has been unbelievably stupid and bosses will be absolutely furious because this is hugely embarrassing for her.

“But she isn’t a bad person. She has been naive and is guilty of being easily influenced rather than anything more sinister.”

Anti-gun campaigner Gleen Reid’s son Corey died aged 28 after being shot outside a nightclub in Birmingham in 2000.

She said: “This behaviour sends a bad example to young people who will think she’s in the media and can do this so why can’t I?

“I think X Factor should take her off the show.

“She’s so talented but this kind of behaviour can’t be tolerated with so many young people in this country killed by guns.

“Why does she want to be related to something like this? I don’t understand why she would want to pose with a gun in the first place.

“She’s a role model to young pe ople. It’s ridiculous.

“These weapons destroy lives. It breaks my heart when I see young people with such a bright talent ruining their lives.”