X Factor responds to claims one of this year’s hopefuls already has a major record deal

The latest series of X Factor has come under fire once again after it was reported that a contestant already has a record contract,

22 year old Drew Wedlake from Bristol got the coveted four yeses from judges after performing The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army on Saturday.

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Drew told judges he works at his parents’ bed and breakfast, before going out busking when his shift is over.

However, some reports claimed that Drew already has a record deal with Horous music, after details emerged of his own EP and major social media following.

It led to raised eyebrows about why Drew didn’t mention this to judges.

X Factor reps have denied Drew already has a record deal [Credit: ITV]

Well, reps for X Factor have now explained that, saying, er, he doesn’t have a record deal so that’s why it wasn’t mentioned…

A spokesperson told metro.co.uk: “‘Drew has never been signed to a record label.

“He has only self-funded his own EP.”

Drew has hung out with James Arthur in the past [Credit: FameFlynet]

Meanwhile, Drew could be getting some tips on how to win X Factor as it’s emerged he appears to be pals with former winner James Arthur.

Posting a pic with James in 2014, he wrote: “Chilling with James Arthur today… amazing guy with an unreal voice!”

He’s even posted a cover of James’ hit Impossible on his popular YouTube channel.

And Drew isn’t the only X Factor hopeful that seems to already have been rubbing shoulders with celebrities.

Shereen Cutkelvin auditioned with brothers Jay and Kay as The Cutkelvins, but it appears she had previously been a member of girl band Neon Jungle.

The band had a pop hit with Braveheart, and even performed at a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in 2013, alongside Taylor Swift.