[Red Moon]

CRACKING UP

RHYDIAN Roberts fears he will crack under the pressure of being odds-on favourite to win X Factor.

Going into last night’s show, the homesick Welsh Warbler was hot tip to take the fourth series.

But the stressed-out 25-year-old admitted: “I would be lying if I said I wasn’t in the competition to win. We are all in it to win the big prize but I am not confident that I will win, no.

“I am really starting to feel the pressure now.

“Being the favourite is very flattering but you also have the added expectation, when you walk out, to be good.

“Also, when you are the favourite there is the worry that people might not pick up the phone and vote because they presume you are sailing through.”

When the eccentric bleached-haired singer started the competition he was detested by judges Dannii Minogue, 36, and Sharon Osbourne, 55.

He was then ridiculed by his fellow competitors because of his aloof personality. He even became a hate figure among viewers who set up internet sites referring to him as the “Most hated man in Wales”.

Rhydian has managed to win over viewers. He said: “I just hope I can carry the pressure and keep doing my best.

“It is hard but I would like to think I have a good chance.”

Rhydian also confirmed reports by the Daily Star Sunday that he was fed-up with being dressed up as the competition’s camp clown.

He added: “I do whatever the show requires.

“But if I am honest, then yes, I would love to be judged more on my singing than everything else. The more traditional performances are more me.”

Pals say that homesickness has also been taking its toll.

The wannabe is pining for his parents and his home comforts back in Brecon, Mid-Wales, and does not want the others to see him down in the dumps.

Pain

He spurns the company of other X Factor finalists to spend four out of his five free evenings at a gym near the show’s North London mansion.

Although the X Factor house boasts a fitness room, Rhydian travels to the Esporta gym in Finchley to hide the pain he feels away from his loved ones.

A source said: “He’s clearly very emotional about being away from home and he uses his time at the gym to let that emotion come out.

“Clearly the whole experience has been an emotional roller coaster. He’s putting on a brave face for the nation.”

Source: Daily Star

[Jackie]

Hes doing very well at the moment but these last weeks are gonna be tough.

[GiRTh]

He'll be reet.

Come on Rhydian.