X Factor star Katie Waissel’s grandmother – Britain’s oldest sex worker – dies aged 93

X Factor star Katie Waissel’s grandmother, Sheila Vogel-Coupe, who was known as Britain’s oldest sex worker, has died at the age of 93, her family have confirmed.

“We were so proud of her. Her passing deserves a mention because she was so unique,” Sheila’s daughter Josie, who is Waissel’s aunt, said in a statement via The Sun.

According to the outlet, Ms Vogel-Coupe, advertised her services until the Covid-19 pandemic started, when she was diagnosed with dementia.

Vogel-Coupe, who appeared on the Channel 4 documentary My Granny The Escort, began her career as an escort following the death of her second husband, aeronautical engineer Noel Coupe in 2004.

Speaking about her career choice in the past, she said: “The most important reason is because I love sex. Even thinking about it makes me feel better.

“It doesn’t just begin with sex, there is companionship too. I have been on my own for nine years and I do get lonely. I love the companionship of gentlemen. I really have no inhibitions.”

Katie’s relationship with her grandmother suffered when news of her job emerged after she had been selected to be a finalist on The X Factor in 2010, on which she eventually finished seventh.

The rest of the OAP’s family “disassociated” themselves from her.

Issuing a statement at the time, Waissel’s sister Natalie Davis: “We were completely shocked and devastated to hear of the news that my grandmother, Sheila Vogel, has been conducting immoral activities, including prostitution and pornography.

“We, as a family, disassociate ourselves wholly from these activities and from any future stories that arise from them.

“It is a personal family matter and we would ask that during this difficult time we are allowed space to deal with it as a family.”

Vogel-Coupe refused to back down, responding: “You would have thought I had committed a murder. They couldn’t believe I could do something like that.”

The Standard has contacted a representative for Katie Waissel for comment.