Chris Maloney is inconsolable after his beloved Nana Pat is diagnosed with a serious brain tumour
Nana Pat, known as Pat O'Brien, championed the Liverpudlian from his first X Factor audition
X FACTOR star Christopher Maloney has been left devastated after his number one cheerleader Nana Pat was diagnosed with an serious brain cancer tumour.
A source exclusively told The Sun Online the reality show favourite was in bits after hearing the tragic news today.
It is believed the tumour will be inoperable if initial treatment proves unsuccessful.
The singer's beloved relative, Pat O'Brien, backed him every step of the way to the 2012 talent show final.
She is now almost as famous as her grandson after he dedicated many of his his live performances to "me nan" while on the ITV show.
The source revealed to us Liverpudlian Chris is again firmly by her side as she battles her latest medical drama.
They told us: "Christopher's nan has been diagnosed with a large cancer tumour in her head.
"She is 79, and it is inoperable if she does not react to the radiotherapy treatment, because of her age.
"Christopher was supported on screen so much by his nan and he is devastated by the news.
"He was seen with her leaving Broad Green Hospital looking extremely upset."
The bubbly TV personality, who starred in the most recent series of Celebrity Big Brother, shares a special bond with the silver-haired granny.
Today she spoke out and said: "I feel very luck to have the support of my family at this time, especially our Christopher.
Fans witnessed their close relationship back in 2012 when Chris' X Factor mentor Gary Barlow visited her home prior to the show final, where Chris came third.
From Chris' first audition, where he belted out a cover of Bette Midler hit The Rose, Nana Pat proved the former call centre worker's biggest fan.
Yet his experience was somewhat marred by nasty twitter trolls who poked fun at his old-school style and appearance.
Before his stint in the Channel 5 bungalow the pair again joined forces in solidarity.
Outspoken Pat again insisted fans would see his genuine, lovable nature.
She : “You’ve got to know Christopher to love him.
“Once people get to know Christopher, they’ll love him.
“If he can do anything for you, he’ll do it. If I want anything he’s there. - he’ll cook anything, take you anywhere. He hasn’t got a bad bone in his body.”
RELATED STORIES
In February this year, Pat was rushed into hospital in Liverpool after suffering a brain aneurysm following a fall at her home.
Chris was first to discover her lying unconscious and admitted he thought the family "were losing her."
He : “She had managed to drag herself back up the stairs and we found her unconscious on her bed.
“There was blood everywhere, it looked like a murder scene. We thought someone had broken in and attacked her. It was horrendous.”
TV favourite Chris then went on to thank staff at Aintree Hospital for their care.
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 0207 782 4220