[Locke.]

X FACTOR contestant Christopher Maloney today said he will dedicate his performance at Liverpool’s ECHO arena to his Merseyside fans.

The Kirkdale singer is set to join his fellow finalists on a tour of major cities across the UK early next year.

Christopher, 34, is still going strong in the competition after being voted through by the public for the sixth week running.

He will return to the city’s arena on February 6 – the same stage where a trembling Christopher auditioned for the judges.

The customer service advisor said: “I’m made up to be on the tour and I’m absolutely thrilled I’m coming back to my home town. It’ll be nice to see everyone and give a little back to all the people who have supported me.”

Christopher underwhelmed the judges on Saturday night with his performance of Elton John’s I’m Still Standing and Nicole Scherzinger called him a “karaoke king”.

But he impressed mentor Gary Barlow who congratulated him on how far he had progressed.

Christopher said: “Some of the comments from the judges were nasty. I try to take them on board and come back fighting but the main thing is Gary believes in me and the public believe in me.

“I was nervous because I had some choreography. But I loved it and I hope everyone at home was dancing along.

“It was Best of British week and Elton is the best British singer. I really pushed myself and Gary has been pushing me.

“I just wanted to have fun, but I’m taking it so seriously and I’m rehearsing all the time. I’m Gary’s last act and I don’t want to let him down.

“I’ve always wanted to sing and The X Factor has given me that chance. I just want to thank people for voting and making my dreams come true.”

Christopher also defended himself after reports axed star Kye Sones branded him an “outsider”.

He said: “I do sometimes feel on my own but that’s because I’m so busy rehearsing and there’s no friends and family down here with me. I rehearse more than everyone else. I’ve just got my headphones on and my head down.”

It was a battle of Louis Walsh’s boybands as both of his acts pulled in the fewest votes. District3 lost the sing-off to Union J last night.

Read more: Liverpool Echo http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liver...#ixzz2C75R6z6g

Going to have to get tickets for this