Maloney reveals 'breakdown' post X Factor

Christopher Maloney had "a breakdown" after appearing on 'The X Factor'.

The former cruise ship singer came third in last year's contest and admits he struggled to cope with the constant jibes he received, both by show judges and fans of the programmes, and resorted to therapy when it ended.

He said: "I had a breakdown. I went home the Monday after the show finished and a psychologist came to see me. I wasn't struggling because I was a sore loser, but because of all I'd had to endure. It was hard to keep a grasp of reality."

After his departure, Christopher - who was accused of diva-like behaviour backstage - hit out at his mentor Gary Barlow on Twitter, and is aware he made a mistake but says he acted because he felt he had no one on his side.

He added to Now magazine: "I didn't even know what I was doing. I've spoken to Gary since. He knows that I didn't know where my head was at. I felt like everyone had turned against me. It's horrible to even think about it because it just upsets me."