Eton Road singer and X factor finalist Anthony Hannah has had a lot to cope with in his life so far.

Last night a family friend told The People: “It’s amazing that Anthony has got where he is today.

“He had the worse possible start in life. All the odds have been stacked against him.

“His dad was in prison and his mum was unable to look after him.

“To see Anthony in front of the cameras on X Factor is just unbelievable. He’s an inspiration to anyone who starts out life in such unfortunate circumstances.” Anthony has only hinted at his troubled childhood.

Asked about his upbringing, he would only say: “My parents split up when I was a baby. Thankfully I was taken in by my Nan.”

But the family friend revealed that his upbringing was far more heartbreaking than he has let on to his millions of fans. His father spent a total of seven years in jail.

“Anthony’s dad was just not around at all for him for most of life,” said the source.

“He was a crook, who hung around with a gang in Liverpool who were involved in drugs.

“They were always in trouble with the police.

“Anthony Snr was a drunk. He was no sort of father to his son. And it was no surprise when he eventually ended up in prison.

“There was robberies and booze – Anthony Snr’s life was an absolute shambles really.”

Young Anthony’s heartache was made worse by his mother’s chronic battle with alcoholism.

Carol Ann Yates has spent much of her life fighting chronic drink addiction . Her craving for booze left her unfit to look after Anthony for much of his childhood.

The source revealed: “Carol is well known in the area for being a bit of a drunk.

“She fell into this relationship with Anthony’s dad Anthony Snr, but the pair of them were never married when their son was born.

“They split up soon after, and that’s where Carol’s mum came into Anthony’s life in a full time way.

“Carol just couldn’t cope with her life at this stage. She would still see her son Anthony quite frequently. But as a result of her drinking she was in no fit state to act as his mother.”