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.