Who is Anthony Russell? X Factor 2017 contestant axed after taking drugs
The Liverpool lad was in the running to win the show but was unceremoniously kicked off the show, becoming this year's first ever X Factor casualty
ANTHONY Russell had the potential to go the whole way on X Factor 2017 - but his dreams of stardom were crushed after he was removed from the competition before getting to the live shows.
Here is the lowdown on the former hopeful...
Who is Anthony Russell?
Anthony Russell is a 27-year-old from Liverpool who tried his luck at this year's X Factor auditions.
He had previously tried out for the show ten years ago, and after getting through the first round but failing to progress, he vowed to return.
Since that time, he has become a father.
In April 2017, he lost his job, and decided to use the opportunity to focus on his music career.
How did his X Factor audition go?
Anthony's audition didn't get off to the best of starts after he appeared on the show sporting a black eye.
However, after explaining he was attacked after one of his gigs, Anthony impressed with Issues by Julia Michaels.
After moving Sharon Osbourne to tears, she told him: "I really really loved it.
"You're as awkward as hell, you really are but I really felt what you were singing."
Louis then told him: "You've got soul and you sang from here. I loved all your little odditites, I love the way you perform. You come alive when you perform."
Nicole added: "You don't have the best voice but you've got heart. You with your shiner.
Why was Anthony kicked off the show?
During the bootcamp phase of the show, Anthony was confronted for his erratic behaviour by worried show bosses.
After admitting to taking drugs during his auditions, he was asked to leave the show and get clean.
An X Factor source told us: “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.";