SECOND CHANCE SAM
Sam Black revealed as Anthony Russell’s replacement on X Factor – even though he didn’t make it to the Six Chair Challenge
The singer has won an automatic place at the Judges Houses, despite being knocked out of the competition
SAM Black is getting a second chance on X Factor, as he will replace Anthony Russell.
The Liverpudlian, 20, has won an automatic place at the Judges Houses, despite being knocked out of the competition at Boot Camp and NOT competing in tonight's Six Chair Challenge.
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He is getting another chance after The Sun revealed how Anthony had been asked to leave the show following "drug" revelations.
A show insider told The Sun: “Contestants are closely monitored by the production team. They were alarmed by how erratic he was during filming and decided to confront him.
“He admitted he was a drug user and a decision was quickly taken to remove him.
“It’s a shame, as he was hotly tipped to make the live shows.”
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Tonight viewers saw Anthony impress the judges enough on the Six Chair Challenge to win a place at the Judges Houses - but this has now been given to Sam.
Louis Walsh, who's mentoring the boys this year, told : "Anthony has been fantastic across the series, a great singer and performer who we are really sad to see go.
"I had to think for a long time who could take the place.
"Sam had a great reaction from the British public when his audition aired. So I re-watched it and realised we missed a trick not putting him through at Boot Camp.
"He has that retro 60s style viewers will love. He's really likeable and talented and I can’t wait to hear more."
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Sam was a hit with viewers in the early stages of the competition, and even proposed to his girlfriend on the show.
Anthony's axing came after he turned up to his first audition with a black eye.
The singer told the judges he got the injury after he was attacked by a gang in Liverpool after one of his gigs.
But luckily for Anthony, it might not be the last fans will see of him.
An X Factor source 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."
We wouldn’t be surprised if he returns, as he also auditioned ten years ago when he was just 17.
An X Factor spokeswoman said: “Earlier this month, due to personal reasons, Anthony withdrew from the show. We are sad to see him go and wish him all the best for the future.”
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