X Factor finalist Anthony Russell ‘FaceTimed inmate once dubbed ‘Merseyside’s most wanted’ who was using smuggled phone’
X FACTOR finalist Anthony Russell reportedly had a video call with an inmate once dubbbed "Merseyside's most wanted" on a mobile phone smuggled into prison.
Anthony, 28 Facetimed Michael Trevillion when he was back stage at the X Factor studios and a screen grab was posted on Facebook, the claims.
He was at the X Factor studios at the time he allegedly spoke to the 38-year-old using the account named John Smith.
Trevillion is serving four years in prison for burglary, but was keen to stress he is a huge fan of Anthony.
He wrote on social media on October 14: “Just had a belter chat with my mate Anthony Russell an [sic] he’s got the X Factor xxx”.
Singer Anthony from Liverpool will perform in the final of the ITV show this weekend up against Salton Harris and Scarlett Lee.
He insisted he would be dead if he hadn't met his mentor Louis Tomlinson who paid for him to go through rehab after pulling out last year over his drug and alcohol addiction.
Since getting sober Anthony has formed a close bond with the One Direction singer - and jumped into his arms after it was announced that he will be in the upcoming final.
He hit the headlines earlier in the series when he inundated a young mum with unwanted sex videos and texts.
He was repeatedly warned by the mum to stop sending the explicit messages and was told her child's iPad was linked to her phone.
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Anthony apologised, saying: “I’m sorry if I’ve upset her or caused any offence.”
A source close to Anthony reportedly told the newspaper: “This guy called out of the blue through Facebook Messenger and Anthony answered.
";Anthony had no idea that he was in prison using an illegal phone.”
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