Rhydian: 'I cried after my X Factor defeat... but I still wish Leon all the best'

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The Welsh singer said he cried after he lost the final, and added that he believes there was a "technical fault" on the voting lines.

Still, despite his obvious disappointment, he wished Leon "the best of luck."

Scroll down for more...

Moving on: Rhydian, in North London yesterday, says he wishes Leon 'all the best'

Referring to complaints from fans who say phone lines were jammed, Rhydian said: "How I see it is, it's obviously a technical fault on the night, and it might have affected all three competitors. I can't really complain."

But told Real Radio Wales' breakfast show from a cottage in Oxfordshire: "I was really disappointed. I actually shed a tear."

The 24-year-old from Sennybridge, mid Wales, said he believed his career could actually benefit from him not winning the ITV contest.

Scroll down for more...

Tears: Rhydian admitted he cried after the defeat

Speaking of Leon's victory, Rhydian told presenters Angela Jay and Tony Wright: "He's a talented boy and has his niche with swing music. I wish him the best of luck."

He denied reports that both he and his father believed the show was a fix, and said: "I can categorically say that I have not said any of that. I've stayed well clear - it's not what I believe.

"The only disappointing thing for us as a family was that they got my dad's age wrong. They said he was 60, so he's livid. He's only 58."

Scroll down for more...

Shock winner Leon Jackson and judge Louis Walsh arrive at Sunday night's X Factor wrap party but there was no sign of Rhydian

Presenters Fearne Cotton and Dermot O'Leary braved the weather and the accusations that the show was fixed - while Simon, Dannii and Sharon Osbourne stayed away

Rhydian said he didn't go to the after-show party because he was "absolutely drained". Instead, he went to see a performance by an orchestra with his family.

Rhydian, who said today's interview was his first since Saturday's live final, said: "It's Leon's week and he should be celebrating and I don't want people coming up to me saying 'you were robbed', although it's nice. I didn't want to pull focus."

Scroll down for more...

Finalists Hope turned up to the wrap party - and looked positively unwrapped

He thanked everyone who voted for him, saying he was "flattered" that so many had done so.

Rhydian, who is going on a two-week holiday to Mexico with his family on December 27, added: "All I can say is I want to put that all behind me now - the X Factor.

"My life is going to go on and I fully intend to record an album so watch this space and thanks so much to everybody."

More than 2,000 people have complained to Ofcom, claiming they couldn't get through to vote for Rhydian during the final, but ITV have said Leon won fair and square.