The X Factor 2018 contestant Anthony Russell has described his friend and mentor Louis Tomlinson as being a “godsend” while crediting him for saving his life by encouraging him to go to rehab to fight his demons.
Ahead of tonight’s (October 20) first of the Live Shows, Anthony told The Mirror that he owes the One Direction star his life after he helped him to turn his life around. The contestant was sacked from his job because he turned up to work drunk.
“It got so bad I was drinking every day. I had a decent job on the railway but ruined it all when I turned up drunk and high, off my rocker,” the singing hopeful, who quit the show last year due to personal reasons, said.
“Louis is a godsend, I would be dead now if it was not for him. I think about it every day and pray for the kid every day, I owe him my life.”
Louis privately reached out to Anthony after hearing about his battles and encouraged him to seek treatment. The singer then stood by the contestant, keeping in touch with him via phone calls.
Anthony continued: “I’m always going to be a recovering addict. Since rehab Louis has called me. He proper cares. I need to make him proud.”
He’s now been sober for 10 months and will be performing on tonight’s (October 20) big show.
As fans saw, Louis was moved to tears when Anthony returned to audition for the show this year.
The X Factor airs on ITV.
Alcohol Concern offers information, advice and support with their questions about drinking and the problems that can sometimes be caused by alcohol. For more information, visit Alcohol Concern’s website. Drinkline also offers free, confidential advice to anyone who is concerned about their own or someone else’s drinking on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).
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