Telly Mix

The company opted not to renew his contract after his last two singles ‘Starlight’ and ‘Amazing’ flopped in the charts, with the former failing crack the Top 100.

However, the 29-year-old is glad that they’re parting ways, as it will give him more control over his music.

The Sun quotes Cardle as saying: “I think we were going in different ways. I feel super-excited to be finally in control, and fully in control of what I am doing musically and the direction I am going in.

“I don’t think you can expect anything in this industry. You have just got to do your best and I feel what I have done has worked well and it wasn’t right for the position we were both in.”

Matt is the sixth male X Factor victor to have been dropped. Shayne Ward was the most successful, with his Syco Music deal lasting over five years.