Christopher Maloney was still causing controversy last night, even after finishing third on the X Factor, as he was missing from the final show amid a wave of rumours and press speculation.
The 34-year-old from Kirkdale did not attend the singing contest finale in Manchester. While newspapers and websites were alleging it was because he had turned up to rehearsals “worse for wear” and “abusive”, Maloney wholeheartedly denied this on Twitter.
Yesterday evening, the Mirror reported that Christopher had quit the show, after allegedly turning up to rehearsals with a hangover, shouting abuse at producers and fellow X Factor contestant, Carolynne Poole, reportedly because he was annoyed that he had only got one line in the group song.
Maloney, who received a rough ride from judges and negative stories in the press throughout his time on the show, insists he did not sing on medical advice.
However, an X Factor spokesperson told The Mirror: “Chris decided he no longer wanted to be part of The X Factor Final and has gone back to Liverpool.”
Celebrity journalist Dan Wootton, Editor-at-large of Now Magazine, tweeted during the X Factor: “OK, I now have confirmation Christopher DID turn up tonight asking to go on stage. It was too late because finalists were already on stage.”
Maloney then took to Twitter to quash these reports. He tweeted: “thank u @TheXFactor had a wonderful time. an amazing experience. love u all. sorry I had a sore throat an doctor signed me off. good luck x.”
The Liverpool Mutual Homes worker added: “Take no notice of crap in papers! I’m fine. it’s just a final stretch of sensational headlines lol. whatever xx we know the truth xx”.
He went on to add: “Yes I am being bullied! big time. there u go xx witch hunt.
“Thank u all so much for ur love help and support. thinking everyone wants a final dig. disgusting xx love u na nite xx.”
However, he went on to attack Carolynne Poole over Twitter. He tweeted: “@CarolynnePoole you’ll do anything to get a headline! disgraceful! week one! bitter.”
She has since tweeted: “Sour grapes, anyone?”
Speaking on Radio City during Pete Price’s phone-in show last night, Christopher said he did not appear because he “couldn’t physically sing”, adding: “All I wanted to do was live my dream and sing for the city and make people proud. The negativity does hurt. I don’t want my family to be put through it.”
After James Arthur was announced as the winner of the X Factor 2012, the Xtra Factor revealed that Christopher had actually recieved the most votes every week until Week 8, where James suddenly took over.
Christopher has been noticeably cut from the X Factor live tour adverts this morning, which has led to speculation that he has been pulled from the tour.
X Factor officials are yet to comment.
On Monday, Maloney tweeted: “Good morning guys, still got a really bad chest infection… still on antibiotics. love u all thank u so much 4 all ur love and support xx”