In turn, Anthony was replaced by crooner Sam Black who went on to sail all the way to the live shows.
Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Sam revealed he has since spoken to Anthony who gave the finalist his full backing.
“I did actually [speak to him],” Sam enthused. “I was Facetiming him yesterday. He was wishing me luck and everything.”
And Sam went one step further as he claimed Anthony would have won the competition, while suggesting the lovable Liverpudlian will be back for another shot.
“Honestly, I think he could have won it,” Sam stressed. “I think, honestly, he’s going to come back.”
Sam added: “He’s so relatable and such a nice lad.”
Meanwhile, Sam also admitted he was still “unsure” if Simon Cowell will be back on the judging panel tomorrow.
The music mogul was forced to pull out of the first live shows of the competition last weekend after collapsing in his London home.
Simon underwent a brain scan following his fall, but assured he was doing fine.
Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne marched on with proceedings as a trio last Saturday, before Alesha Dixon took Simon’s place on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Spencer Sutherland and Talia Dean were the first finalists to be given the boot as part the first revamped voting twist.
The X Factor continues tomorrow at 8.20pm on ITV.
Daily Express :: TV and Radio Feed
