'You're watching the worst experience of my life' : Tom Bleasby after quiting #XFactor

He's proved hugely popular with the public so far, securing a spot at Judges' Houses thanks to the deafening uproar from the live audience when Nick Grimshaw attempted to send him home.

But mere hours after Sunday night's impressive show of support during the Six Chair Challenge, Tom Bleasby has made the shock decision to quit The X Factor.

The 19-year-old singing sensation cited 'personal reasons' in a Twitter statement explaining his intention to withdraw from the ITV singing competition.

Tom took to the social media site on Monday, posting: 'Due to personal reasons I have decided to withdraw from The X Factor. Thank you to all the judges, especially Nick for his belief in me.

'I want to wish all the contestants the best of luck and thank you to the public for supporting me and my dream. #xfactor'.

A spokesperson for The X Factor said: 'We can confirm that Tom Bleasby has chosen to withdraw from the competition due to personal reasons.'

His announcement was met by cries of surprise and disappointment from fans who have championed him ever since his first audition in August, when he brought the entire arena to their feet with his powerful version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love.

Insiders have claimed that Tom was battling self-confidence issues, with a source telling the Daily Mirror: 'He didn't think he could progress vocally and in terms of his confidence.' 

As the Six Chair Challenge episode aired on Sunday evening, Tom hinted on Twitter that all was not well and he was struggling to cope with the pressures of the show.

He dramatically wrote: 'You are literally watching on TV the worst experience of my life'.

The Leeds-based singer, who was in the Boys category, had his dreams crushed by mentor Nick - only to be brought back on stage by producers after the angry reaction from the crowd.

Simon and Cheryl looked on bemused at Nick's decision and the crowd went berserk, booing and chanting bring him back, bring him back'.

Admitting his gaffe, Nick declared: 'I can't ignore that, so Tom - I'd like to offer you another seat', instead sending home another, less successful, wannabe.