Nick Grimshaw confirms Tom Bleasby’s X Factor replacement – and fans are not happy

After Tom Bleasby’s early exit from The X Factor this week, speculation began over who would take his place at Nick Grimshaw’s judges’ houses round.

nick-mason

by Jack White |
Published on

Although he didn’t even get offered a seat during the six chair challenge, stroppy Mason Noise was tipped to return – and Nick, 30, has confirmed the news to be true.

In a statement, the Radio 1 DJ said: “After Tom decided to leave the show, Mason was the person I wanted to bring back.

Nick excused Mason's strop as 'artistic temperment'
Nick excused Mason's strop as 'artistic temperment'

“Yes he was difficult at the Six Chair Challenge, but people with an artistic temperament can be difficult.

“He’s talented and in previous auditions excited us judges. Sometimes a challenge is interesting.”

In the last round of auditions, Mason, 21, infuriated head judge Simon Cowell by inviting the audience to film his performance.

Mason responded to the news by saying: 'Challenge accepted'

When asked by 56-year-old Simon what he was playing at, Birmingham-based waiter Mason argued that he’d not received enough airtime at Boot Camp.

Simon ordered him to apologise to the crew, but Mason refused and stormed from the stage.

Rita Ora later insisted he had the ‘Kanye West effect’. Speaking of his return, Mason added: “I appreciate Nick inviting me back on the show. And even more so, I appreciate the fact he understands what I’m trying to achieve… challenge accepted!”

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