Whether the judges like him or not, the public certainly love X Factor’s Stevi Ritchie, voting him through, week after week.
However the loveable clown has recently admitted that he feels “guilty” that he is still in the competition.
After Paul Akister left the show in a shock elimination this week, Stevi spoke on The Xtra Factor, saying he felt “really, really deflated”.
“I’m happy [that I’m through] and I’m really thankful the public have got me through, I really am,” he said. “I can’t thank them enough.
“But downstairs, I was just crying. [Bottom two act] Jay has been with me since Boot Camp and gave an emotional performance, and Paul was one of the best singers in the competition.”
He added: “Part of me just feels a little bit guilty. I just feel really guilty and deflated and for me, getting emotional… I just feel like that now. Words can’t describe it.”
True to his nature, Stevi had nothing but good things to say about Paul and his future success, stating: “He’ll get a record deal. He will. He’s too much of a waste [otherwise].”
The X Factor continues on Saturday (15th November) on ITV.