X Factor winner Shayne Ward has spoken out for the first time about his Father who is currently serving a prison sentence for the rape of a pensioner.

He said: “My dad is in prison but I still love him dearly. He sent me a really nice message saying good luck and that he was proud of me”"

He added: “I don’t know if I’ll visit him or not but I’ll see how it goes and how I feel. I’ve spoken to my mum and she’s fine with it.

“I knew stuff about my past would come out as soon as I got through the auditions.

“Having it hanging over me was almost the worst thing — when everything came out it was a relief, really.�