Anthony Russell thanks fans for support after quitting The X Factor tour

Anthony Russell has thanked fans for their support after quitting The X Factor tour.

The X Factor 2018 finalist announced last month he was pulling out of the show’s live tour due to “personal reasons”.

“Due to personal circumstances I’ve had to withdraw from the tour. I’m heartbroken to miss the final shows,” he wrote on social media at the time. “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 forward with further dates.

“I’m so so sorry to anyone who was looking forward to seeing me. I love and appreciate you all so much and it’s killing me to think anyone is going to be let down.”

A spokesperson for the tour 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.”

Now Anthony has spoken out to thank his supporters, and tease new music.

“Hello everyone, how is it going? It’s Anthony Russell,” he said in a video message posted online (via Liverpool Echo). “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. Moving forward I’m feeling better than ever.”

He continued: “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 was mentored on last year’s X Factor by Louis Tomlinson, whom he’d become close pals with during his struggles.

He eventually finished the competition in third place, behind Dalton and Scarlett Lee.