Eighteen months after being crowned champion on the TV talent show, the 29 year old joins a long line of male X Factor stars who have as yet failed to find success including Steve Brookstein, Leon Jackson and Joe McElderry.

Cardle hasn't given up hope of a pop career yet though, tweeting: 'I have parted ways with columbia records, we were heading in different directions, big news coming soon.... so excited! : ) love you all xx'.

Enlisted as a ...