Grab some tissues folks, you’re going to need them for tonight’s rather emotional episode of The X Factor. Just when you think you’ve hardened yourself to all the stories of woe, heartbreak and dreams lost, comes this little fella… Luke Lucas.
Obviously you'll remember little Luke for having rather impressive vocals. And even though he fumbled a bit in his Boot Camp audition, Gary Barlow and team were happy to put him through because they believe the 16-year-old has potential.
But now, with the competition just one week away from the live finals, it seems Luke has been really buckling under the pressure – and in tonight’s episode, we’ll see him have a mighty big cry in front of mentors Gary and Robbie Williams.
Luke was flown out to LA to compete in the judges’ houses round of the competition a few weeks ago. But despite the lush surroundings of Rob’s mansion and the beaming sunshine, he couldn’t quite hold it together. A source told The Sun, “He found the pressure really difficult. He messed up one of his songs then started crying when he feared he had blown his chance. Gary and Robbie were really worried."
Whether Luke still has what it takes to impress the judges is anyone’s guess and we’ll all be finding out for sure by the end of this weekend.
But we’re not sure if it was actually the pressure of the whole thing that got to him or haunting visions of Robbie sitting there absolutely starkers bar a little leaf covering his bits (apparently this happens tonight too - did he get the idea from Sinitta?). We’re pretty sure we’d cry too if we had that sight in front of our eyes.
The X Factor, ITV1, 7.30pm