Anthony Russell has finally broken his silence after withdrawing from the X Factor tour hours before he was due on stage.
Back in February, Anthony shocked fans by suddenly Anthony Russell withdraws from X Factor live tour 'after drugs scandal' in his hometown of Liverpool.
At the time, the 28-year-old released a statement to explain his decision where he cryptically cited 'personal circumstances.'
He said that his decision had not be 'made lightly' but due to the circumstances being out of his 'control' he was unable to continue forward with further dates.
An X-Factor tour spokesperson later added: "Anthony has had to leave the tour for personal reasons. We would appreciate people respecting his privacy and wish him well for the future.”
A month on from his departure, Anthony has spoken out with an emotional video message, reports Liverpool Echo.
He says: "Hello everyone, how is it going? It's Anthony Russell.
"Firstly I'd like to thank everyone for the love and support you've been giving me these past couple of months.
"It's been really hard but I'm dealing with my issues. I'd like to thank everyone for respecting my privacy.
Anthony Russell's touching tribute as Louis Tomlinson's sister Félicité dies
"Moving forward I'm feeling better than ever. I've got a lot of music coming out - big things are coming.
"So thank you so much for the love and support , everything you have been giving me man I couldn't have done it without you.
"I'm looking forward to moving forward and smashing the life out of it - so thank you very much for coming on this journey with me."
Anthony Russell withdraws from X Factor live tour 'after drugs scandal'
Anthony had pulled of X Factor in 2017, citing personal reasons again.
Afterwards he checked into rehab and returned to the show in 2018 where he was mentored by Louis Tomlinson.
Anthony ended up finishing third overall, with Dalton Harris taking the winner's crown.
Earlier this month Anthony took time out to post a tribute to former mentor's Louis' sister Félicité, after it was reported she had died at the age of 18.
Anthony reached out to the Tomlinson family and shared a picture of himself with Félicité, who is holding onto his arm as he points at her and smiles for the camera.
He then shared another snap of him standing between the siblings and wrote alongside it: "I don’t know what to say, I can’t put it into words the sadness I feel or the heartbreak I feel for this amazing family. I am sending all my love and strength to u all and I love u all so much. Felicite I love you always xxxx"
