James Arthur reveals Ellie Goulding AND Rita Ora turned him down: ‘I got nothing’

X Factor winner James Arthur has revealed that both Ellie Goulding and Rita Ora snubbed his offer of a collaboration on his new album.

After a tumultuous few years, the 28-year-old singer recently returned to the spotlight after being re-signed by Simon Cowell, with his second studio album, aptly titled ‘Back from the Edge’, set for a number one.

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Despite his chart success, though, the comeback kid admitted his ex-girlfriend Rita, who he dated briefly back in 2013, disregarded his phone calls about a potential duet – along with his old pal Ellie, who also refused to collaborate.

“It was tough to get people involved in this one, because I don’t think anyone expected me to come back,” James told The Sun. “I was calling Ellie Goulding, and Rita Ora, all these guys, saying, ‘Do you want to sing this line?’ I got nothing.”

Meanwhile, the Say You Won’t Let Go hitmaker recently revealed he struggled to cope with the level of fame after he won the ninth series of the talent show in 2012 and subsequently became hooked on prescription drugs and alcohol.

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He said: “My lowest point was being addicted to prescription drugs, cannabis and alcohol. I was using anything I could as a crutch to cope with the pressure I was putting on myself to be what I was billed to be. I had the biggest selling X Factor single.”

After his show success, the controversial vocalist also cited one of his “biggest mistakes” as being the moment that he moved down to London and cut off his family.

He added to BUILD Series LDN: “To be honest, I don’t think there’s any way to prepare people for that process. You need to make sure you have friends and family around you.

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"The mistake I made was moved to London, got a flat and cut ties with all my family and I got lonely and lost.”

We’re just glad that he is back doing what he does best. <3