The X Factor's Daniel Evans has hot back at claims that he used his wife's death to further his chances on the show.

The father-of-three has told reporters that he is hurt by allegations he milked his circumstances to win the popular television talent show.

Daniel told The Sun, “The reason I came into this competition is my wife had passed away and it was her wish. I only mentioned it because I was asked.”

The X Factor hopeful - who was branded as Ricky Gervais doing karaoke by Louis Walsh - thanked his fans for making it as far as he did in the competition.

He said: “It’s thanks to the public I got this far.”

See why Laura White will not be returning to the show here