Andy Abraham is one of X Factor's most famous contestants.
The singer shot to stardom on season two of the ITV talent competition in 2005. Andy wowed the judges with his rendition of A Song For You in the audition stage and sailed through to the live shows.
The soul musician was 41-years-old at the time he entered the competition and was mentored by Sharon Osbourne in the over-25s category. He saw off competition from renowned X Factor acts such as Journey South and Chico Slimani to progress to the final.
READ MORE: ITV X Factor Chico Slimani's stripper past, arrest and near death experience
Andy thrilled audiences as he once again performed his hit rendition of Me and Mrs Jones for his favourite performance in the final week. However, he was narrowly beaten in the last week by Shayne Ward, who went on release That's My Goal.
Andy went on to forge an impressive career in showbiz following his X Factor stint and he released his debut album titled The Impossible Dream in 2006. He released another album titled Soul Man later that year which reached number 19 in the UK charts.
Andy was voted as the UK's selection for the Eurovision contest in 2008 with his song Even If. However, the United Kingdom finished last in the competition after Andy built up 14 points.
Away from his showbiz career, Andy is married to Denise and shares two children named Tara and Jacob. The singer hails from a humble background and worked as a binman in London before he rose to fame.
Andy is now 57-years-old and returned to work as a binman when live work dried up during the height of the pandemic. He told The Metro in 2020: "I’m literally singing out there as I was during the X Factor show. I’m back to being the official singing binman, which is kind of cool. I’m just enjoying keeping my feet on the ground.’
"People are very, very encouraging, they’re really, really happy to see us. I’ve even had people asking me to sing! I have been singing out there and that’s been fun. It kind of makes [people] realise the voice I had back in the day and why they supported me.
"And they understand that you’ve got to be out there and try to work and keep yourself busy and just be part of the community through this whole crazy, crazy, crazy time. It’s early mornings, it’s a little bit of helping the community, it’s keeping busy myself, because, as you well know, there is no live work whatsoever out there because of the restrictions."
Andy said he enjoyed the camaraderie as he returned to his old job. He added: "I think we should just be a little more appreciative of guys like that, that go out there. Especially those who do unsociable hours. It has definitely put my feet firmly on the ground and it’s a great little company I’m working for, a lovely family."
Andy performed variety shows at a care homes before the pandemic hit and was keen to return to performing once restrictions were lifted.
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