The X Factor star Jai Waetford, 25, expecting first child with girlfriend

Australian singer-songwriter Jai Waetford is set to have a big year ahead of him after he announced that he’s expecting his first child with his partner Bec Donaghy. The 25-year-old, who rose to fame as a contestant on The X Factor Australia in 2013, took to Instagram on New Year’s Day to share the exciting news with his 379,000 followers.

“Baby Waetford coming 2025,” the couple wrote alongside a gallery of loved-up snaps. The photos feature Bec showing off her growing bump in a black bandeau top with jeans and a jacket while Jai stands behind her in an all-black ensemble cradling her stomach.

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It’s unknown how long Bec and Jai have been dating, however, they first posted about their relationship on social media in July 2023.

'Makes me feel ancient'

Jai’s followers took to the comments to share congratulatory messages, with many expressing surprise that he was becoming a father after watching him grow up in the public eye.

“This just makes me feel ancient! You was a little boy when I saw you on TV and now YOU’RE A MAN AND GOING TO BE A DAD,” one person wrote, while another added, “I JUST GASPED OUT LOUD”.

“No wayyyy I’ve been watching you since X Factor and now you’re having a baby?”, a third remarked, followed by someone else who said, “Been here since the X Factor audition! Wow congratulations, happy for you both!”.

“THE WAY I GASPED OUT LOUD, I remember you coming to my school like 10 years ago with just you and guitar, from nothing to something is crazy,” a different user replied.

Jai Waetford's rise to fame

Jai is best known for competing on the fifth season of The X Factor Australia at the age of 14 where he finished in third place behind runner-up Taylor Henderson and winner Dami Im.

His audition video, where he performed ‘Different Worlds’ by Jes Hudak and an original song titled ‘Don’t Let Me Go’, has been viewed more than 19 million times on YouTube.

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Following the reality show he signed with Sony Music Australia, released his self-titled debut EP in 2013, and opened for both Little Mix and Selena Gomez’s Australian tours in 2016.

Jai started acting in 2016 when he played Angus Beaumont-Hannay on Neighbours and returned to screens last year in the Stan Original Series Critical Incident, playing criminal underling Hayden Broadis.

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