X Factor’s Sam Black was convicted for actual bodily harm after fight at 18

X FACTOR wannabe SAM BLACK has a very dark secret.

He was convicted of actual bodily harm after getting into a fight aged 18.

The hopeful made it through to the live shows when LOUIS WALSH brought him to Judges’ Houses to replace ANTHONY RUSSELL, who admitted taking drugs.

Sam earlier failed to get past Boot Camp.

I can reveal the plasterer from Liverpool was arrested two years ago after battering a lad he spotted brawling in the street.

In court he was given a suspended sentence and was fined for the offence.

Of his conviction Sam said: “When I look back, I think, ‘What a stupid thing to get involved in’.

“It’s something I regret entirely and I’ve grown up a lot since I met (fiancée) Emma and had my son Mason.

"Now I’m focused on my family, my career and bettering all our lives through The X Factor.”

A source said: “This was a long time ago. Sam’s intention was to do the right thing by breaking up a fight but it went wrong.

“He was trying to help but unfortunately his good intentions landed him in hot water.

"He’s the first to admit it wasn’t the smartest move.”