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Louis Tomlinson Fights Back Tears As Scouser Anthony Russell Returns To X-Factor

Louis Tomlinson Fights Back Tears As Scouser Anthony Russell Returns To X-Factor

Anthony had to quit the show last year and received help from the former 1D star

Rachael Grealish

Rachael Grealish

It's a well-known fact that you'll get a few emotional stories from X Factor contestants - but it was one of the judges that got teary-eyed as the new series hit the screens this time round.

Louis Tomlinson had a moving moment during Sunday night's showing of The X Factor, as he reunited with a former contestant.

Anthony Russell had auditioned for the show twice before and finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel, in 2017, when he got through to last year's Judges' Houses round.

It just wasn't meant to be for Anthony, as he had to pull out of the series in 2017 due to personal issues.

X Factor/ITV

As the 2018 series kicked off, and Anthony made his X Factor return - the Former One Direction singer revealed he helped the 28-year-old Liverpudlian laborer by arranging for him to go to rehab after he had to quit last year.

When it was Anthony's time to shine he did impress both judges and audience with his own rendition of 'Wake Me Up' by the late singer Avicii and Louis, 26, was left fighting back the tears.

Louis made a beeline straight for the stage to hug his friend after the proud moment.

Robbie Williams was first to comment, he said: "It takes courage and ferocity. Your voice is sensational.

The former Take That star could relate to the young man after his own stint in rehab in 2007 for drug addiction.

He added: "Thank you so much! In my short stint as an X Factor judge so far, 70 per cent of acts are all right.

"What I'm looking for is The X Factor and what you've got is The X Factor and I'll tell you why... those battle scars give you something that not everybody has because your story is unique."

When Louis was asked to speak it just wasn't happening - the former 1D star was trying to fight back the tears and even received a comforting pat on the back from his fellow judge Simon Cowell.

Louis said: "I'm pretty emotional after that. I literally can't even talk here... it was a big moment for both of us and you absolutely delivered."

To begin with Louis outright refused to give Anthony a 'yes' due to his bias - but Simon said Anthony deserved a 'yes' from the man who helped him so much.

Louis' 'yes' - along with Simon, Robbie and Ayda Field's - sent Anthony through to Bootcamp.

X Factor/ITV

When Anthony dropped out of last year's show a spokesperson for the show said: "Anthony has been going through some personal issues for some time - as he sang about at his audition. Those issues were still affecting him.

"So everyone has urged him to concentrate on getting himself better right now. 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. Everyone hopes he will come back next year healthier."

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Entertainment, TV, x factor