A singer who started his X Factor journey aged just 17 has opened up about his road to recovery from addiction ahead of releasing a new album.
Anthony Russell, known as "Tighto", first appeared on season four of the hit ITV singing show in 2007, aged just 17, with a two minute audition packed with iconic moments, as he explained the origins of his nickname and responded to Simon Cowell's criticisms with a simple: "Nice one, Si." Although he was eliminated when the singers got to boot-camp, Mr Russell came back to the show in 2017 as a more accomplished performer.
Unfortunately, his time on the show was once again cut short, after personal issues led to him withdrawing from the competition to spend four months in rehab. The year after he was back again, and it really was third time lucky for the now-32-year-old, who finished third after a run of outstanding performances that captured viewers and made them fall in love with his music.
