X Factor 2017 hopeful Anthony Russell drops out of boot camp to tackle ‘personal issues’

The 27-year-old Scouser received four 'yeses' for his rendition of Issues 
Dropped out: Anthony Russell will not perform at Boot Camp
Rex
Jennifer Ruby27 September 2017

Wannabe pop star Anthony Russell had dropped out of The X Factor ahead of Boot Camp to tackle “personal issues”.

ITV bosses have confirmed that the 27-year-old Liverpudlian will not be going any further in the competition after withdrawing himself earlier this month.

“Earlier this month, due to personal reasons, Anthony withdrew from the show. We are sad to see him go and wish his all the best for the future,” said an X Factor spokesperson.

The singer impressed the judges with his stripped back rendition of Issues in his first audition, despite showing up with a black eye.

“I thought I'd do Issues because I haven't done the best in life,” he said ahead of his performance.

“I've had a good upbringing, good family, good morals, got manners,' he said. 'But Issues, everyone's got problems haven't they?”

He was dubbed a “rough diamond” by judge Sharon Osbourne, after he was candid about the struggles he had faced in his life and received four ‘yeses’.

The X Factor 2017 launch

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“Anthony has been going through some personal issues for some time - as he sang about at his audition,” said a show insider.

"Those issues were still affecting him. So, everyone has urged him to concentrate on getting himself better right now.

"Anthony has always said he will never give up on music. Production are all very fond of him and think he has really potential so have told him, if he straightens himself out, they would love him to have another shot at X Factor next year.

"That is the perfect incentive for him to get his life back on track. The public support really did help him to believe in himself. So, everyone hopes he will come back next year healthier.”

The X Factor 2017 Boot Camp will kick off this Saturday on ITV.

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