X Factor's Christopher Maloney opens heart on toughest week yet and reveals Gary Barlow 'tremendous support'
SINGER Christopher Maloney promised to put his troubles aside in a bid to impress on tonight's X Factor.
Tina Miles
Christopher Maloney on the X Factor
Christopher opened his heart to the ECHO on his toughest week yet since entering the competition.
The 34-year-old told how Gary Barlow was a "tremendous support" as he continued to be haunted by diva rumours.
Christopher said: "I've had a difficult week really. One of my best friends had a miscarriage, my nan hasn't been well and all this diva stuff is still going on in the papers.
"It's so hard to keep my spirits high. I feel really down but I'm trying to keep my focus."
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Christopher, who is being encouraged by fans, also said he was prescribed antibiotics for a chest infection.
He said: "I've got so much support out there and I'm so grateful to all the people who are voting for me.
"I've had cards and letters and I got a big box with a bow and all these balloons came out, it was great."
The talent show hopeful, from Kirkdale, brushed off rumours Simon Cowell wanted him kicked out.
The X Factor mogul is said to have urged the other judges to criticise Gary's act after sources revealed Christopher topped the vote for the first two weeks of the live performances.
He said: "I don't think Simon said anything like that. I don't think he's got it in for Gary. It's still Simon's show so I don't think he'd do anything detrimental."
But the customer service advisor was hurt by comments made by axed duo MK1, who backed up previous claims wild card entry Christopher was difficult to deal with backstage.
He said: "The hardest thing was those comments because I was friends with them and we went for coffees.
"It's just hard to deal with at the moment but I don't want to let Gary down. He's told me to just keep doing what I'm doing."
Christopher will tonight tackle a Hallowe'en theme.
Kirkdale