Jake Quickenden may be at the high point of his singing career to date, but the singer experienced one of the lowest points in his life this week, when he had to say his final goodbyes to his younger brother.

The 23 year old performer shot to fame on the X Factor just a few weeks ago and on Sunday night was seen winning a place in judges houses with Nicole Scherzinger.

However, on September 8th his younger brother Ollie passed away and the teenager’s funeral was held in Scunthorpe this week.

Hundreds attended the ceremony at Woodlands Crematorium and This Is Scunthorpe reports that Jake placed a floral tribute for his brother, with a message that read:

“To my little brother, my hero and my best friend.

“There is an empty space in my heart, that space will always belong to you.

“I miss you more than anyone will ever know the only thing that helps me in this time is knowing you feel no more pain and I have so many perfect memories that will be with me forever.

“I will never forget you and I will try and make you proud.

“I know one day we will meet again but not yet my little brother, not yet.”

Oliver Quickenden died from a rare form of cancer called osteosarcoma, just three years after his father lost his battle with the disease.

Jake admitted recently that he found it hard getting through bootcamp and the final stages of The X Factor, when he knew his brother was so ill at home. He explained:

“Boot camp was tiring and emotional. I looked like a zombie at the end of it, I was so pale.”

Viewers will see Jake performing for what could be the last time on this weekend’s X Factor double bill and will discover is he sang well enough for Nicole Scherzinger and Ne-Yo to put him through to the live shows.

We reported yesterday that he has just joined a new local football team, so perhaps he wasn’t lucky this time round.

Do you think he’s good enough? Leave your comments below……

Meanwhile, as we prepare for the judges houses episodes of the show to air next weekend, Unreality TV have put together out predictions for his year’s X Factor final 12. Have a look and tell us if you agree!