Yahoo News Louis Tomlinson's X Factor bromance steals the show
The X Factor judge Louis Tomlinson has a new best buddy and they're completely stealing the show.
Liverpool native Anthony Russell has had an emotional journey during this year's competition and the singer has praised Louis for helping him to turn his life around.
But their relationship transcends a mere mentor/student understanding, you can actually feel their love for each other every week.
During tonight's (November 17) live show, the pre-performance VT attached to Anthony's performance featured the two (plus Irish lad Brendan Murray) attending a recent England football match together.
After the game – which saw England thrash USA 3-0 at Wembley Stadium – Louis made one of Anthony's dreams come true as he invited superstar Wayne Rooney to come and join them for a chat.
After Anthony's Bobby Darin-infused performance, Louis ran up on stage to hug his performer and the Twitter world went wild.
Is this the show's biggest ever bromance? Check out some of the reactions below.
Warning: Some fans used some strong language to express their love for Louis and Anthony's friendship.
SOFTIES #xfactor pic.twitter.com/XpyfBdV4bO
- havii ◟̽◞̽ (@KISSYL0U) November 17, 2018
Anthony was going to hug Louis but dermot held him back for a little talk and then Louis literally ran to the stage to hug Anthony
Honestly they are such #FriendshipGoals😭💕💓❤😍👏 #XFactor- Sahabia💙💚 (@Stylinsongurl28) November 17, 2018
Louis relationship with the lads is so special im actually gonna die of cuteness😭💗 #XFactor @Louis_Tomlinson @AntArtist89 @brendan_m96
- Holls💓 TOMORROW🙃 (@xholly_lawx) November 17, 2018
i love this relationship between louis and anthony but i think he's not that good vocally #xfactor
- sophie 🐿 | 136 days (@luvmy_nialler) November 17, 2018
is there something cuter then anthony can't go to hug louis so louis come on stage to hug him? #xfactor
- hello sunshina (@i_am_shani27) November 17, 2018
I love a man who can declare love for another man on live TV. #XFactor
- TheEvilOverlady (@EvilOverlady27) November 17, 2018
Omg !!!!! The way Louis ran towards Anthony and hugged him was a totally awww moment for me.Ohh my Tommo you are such an amazing person and obviously my angel 💙😭😘 @Louis_Tomlinson @AntArtist89 @TheXFactor #XFactor #TeamLT
- Farheen ◟̽◞̽ (@youngdemuree) November 17, 2018
LOUIS HUGGING HIS ACTS IM CRYING WHYRE THEY SO CUTE #xfactor
- becky🌟 (@midnightgrandex) November 17, 2018
#xfactor ‘i fucking love you man’ - Louis to Anthony 😭
- amelia🦋 (@_xomills) November 17, 2018
louis getting up out of his seat and running to give anthony a hug 😢😢 can this boy get any more sweeter??? he’s so adorable i can’t 😭😭😭 #xfactor #XFactorUK
- 𝓱𝓪𝓷𝓷𝓪𝓱 (@wallahmelone) November 17, 2018
the relationship louis and anthony has warms my heart @AntArtist89 @Louis_Tomlinson #Xfactor
- rachel #teamjames (@rachelwonders) November 17, 2018
AWWWWW CUDDLESSSSSSS #XFactor pic.twitter.com/0e425CtBdh
- Isabela ◟̽◞̽ ❯❯❯❯ (@isalondos) November 17, 2018
the way louis loves his boys ❤️ it’s incredible. he loves his friends with his whole heart ❤️ #xfactor
- laura🌷 (@lauraelphy_) November 17, 2018
LOUIS GAVE ANTHONY A CUDDLE. OH MY GOD I AM DECEASED#XFactor
- Dana (@danaa8614) November 17, 2018
louis and anthony have the most beautiful, pure and lovely friendship #XFactor pic.twitter.com/XvwJEv2QaD
- patri ◟̽◞̽ (@louehtts) November 17, 2018
PLEASE Anthony was going to hug louis but dermot stopped him so louis just ran up to stage and pulled him into a hug I’M SO FUCKING SOFT #Xfactor
- vanshika (@guyfromoneband) November 17, 2018
THIS IS WHAT HAPPINESS LOOKS LIKE, ANTHONY SMASHED IT, LOUIS IS HAPPY, THIS IS THE BEST NIGHT EVER #xfactor
THE ICONIC DUO pic.twitter.com/I5Nzjn3B3E- Vicky ◟̽◞̽ (@yellowheartLWT) November 17, 2018
Though Louis looks to be proving himself a model mentor, his fellow judge Robbie Williams was nowhere to be seen for the third week running due to touring comittments.
Some fans are wondering why he signed up to be a judge if he can't commit to attending The X Factor live shows.
The X Factor returns tomorrow (November 18) on ITV.
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