Yahoo News The X Factor finalist Anthony Russell drops out of the show's tour
The X Factor finalist Anthony Russell has shocked fans by announcing he will not be performing on the final shows of the ITV reality competition's live tour.
The 2019 'X Factor: Live' trek is due to wrap up next week, with shows in Glasgow (February 28), Liverpool (March 1), Newcastle (March 2) and Dublin (March 5) still to come.
Unfortunately for Anthony's fans, they won't actually get to see him perform alongside fellow Top Three finalist Scarlett Lee and X Factor 2018 winner Dalton Harris due to "personal circumstances".
Thank you for all your love and support xxx
A post shared by Anthony Russell (@antrussellmusic) on Feb 27, 2019 at 3:28am PST
Anthony explained to fans on Instagram: "I'm heartbroken to miss the final shows, it has been an honour to sing to you all and a dream come true.
"It was not a decision made lightly, but unfortunately private circumstances out of my control have meant it's not currently possible for me to continue with further dates."
The 28-year-old apologised to anyone who was "looking forward" to seeing him, adding: "I love and appreciate you all and it's killing me to think anyone is going to be let down."
A spokesperson for The X Factor: Live tour said that Anthony had to withdraw from the final dates for “personal reasons", according to The Sun.
Related: The 9 biggest X Factor scandals to have ever rocked the show
Anthony returned to The X Factor last season after previously quitting the show due to personal reasons. He was taken under the wing of judge Louis Tomlinson, who he called a "godsend" for helping him turn his life around.
"I would be dead now if it was not for him," Anthony said during the competition. "I think about it every day and pray for the kid every day, I owe him my life."
He subsequently finished third overall in December's finale, with Dalton Harris beating Scarlett Lee to take the crown.
The X Factor will return to ITV later this year - with two series, one featuring celebrities and another bringing back great contestants from the past.
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