Anthony Russell has been tipped to return to The X Factor 2017.
Sam Black, who replaced Anthony when he quit after the Six Chair Challenge, has suggested the singer could return.
Sam got a second chance on the ITV talent contest this year when he made a comeback at Judges’ Houses as a replacement for Anthony, who quit for “personal reasons”.
Louis Walsh then chose the 20-year-old as one of his top three Boys, alongside Lloyd Macey and Spencer Sutherland, plus wild card Leon Mallett.
Now Sam has revealed he thinks that Anthony could make a return to the show.
“I was Facetiming him yesterday. He was wishing me luck and everything,” Sam explained. “Honestly, I think he could have won it. I think, honestly, he’s going to come back.
“He’s so relatable and such a nice lad.”
Sam’s comeback proved controversial as he was originally axed at Bootcamp – meaning he skipped the Six Chair Challenge entirely.
Some fans argued that Benji Matthews, the last act Louis cut at Six Chair, should have been brought back instead.
Speaking ahead of the first live show, Sam admitted to Digital Spy that he “totally understands” why viewers are angry about the unusual situation.
“If I was watching it myself, I’d probably be thinking the same,” he commented. “I’d be thinking, ‘It was a bit unfair’.
“Obviously I’ve been given that opportunity and I’m not going to turn it down. I’ve just got to take it.”
So far things are going well for Sam, surviving the first two votes which have seen his fellow boys category contestants Leon Mallett and Spencer Sutherland depart.
The X Factor 2017 continues this Saturday at 8:10PM and Sunday night at 7:30PM on ITV.
Guest stars will be Harry Styles and Paloma Faith while FOUR acts will be sent home in double eliminations on both evenings.