‘X Factor’ contestant Anthony Russell says he would be dead without Louis Tomlinson.
The 28-year-old singer entered the singing competition last year but quit after he confessed to getting hooked on alcohol and drugs and says his "guardian angel" Louis reaching out to him and urging him to get help saved his life.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said: "Louis is a godsend, I would be dead now if it was not for him. I think about it every day and pray for the kid every day, I owe him my life."
Anthony – who was sacked from his job at Network Rail after showing up drunk – admitted his drinking had gotten out of control.
He said: "It got so bad I was drinking every day. I had a decent job on the railway but ruined it all when I turned up drunk and high, off my rocker.
"I’m always going to be a recovering addict. Since rehab Louis has called me. He proper cares. I need to make him proud."
Meanwhile, Brendan Murray, 21 – who is also in Louis’ Boys category – has heaped praised on his mentor and says he knows exactly what the contestants are going through since he competed on the show himself in 2010 with One Direction.
He explained: "He’s been great. He’s been in the house everyday this week, it’s been amazing. He really does care about all four of us. He was in this position eight years ago so he knows how we’re feeling.
"I’m excited! At the moment I’m stuck on a song choice as I really want to make a good impression and I think it’s really important! I want to get it right in the first week!
"I’m still on a high from Judges houses, but I’m just looking forward to performing and singing every weekend. The competition is getting better every day at the moment so it’s going to be interesting!"
Armstrong Martins, 23, and Dalton Andre Harris, 24, complete Louis’ category.
‘Guardian angel’ Louis Tomlinson saved X Factor contestant
