Photo: WENN.com

After 18 months of less-than-impressive sales and a string of flop singles, 20102 X Factor winner Matt Cardle has parted ways with record label Columbia.

The 'When We Collide' singer joins an ever-growing list of male X Factor stars who have failed to live up to their TV talent show win. Other pop flops from the show include winners Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward, Leon Jackson and Joe McElderry.

Sources suggest it was Cardle's descision to quit the label, as he is said to want to take his career in a new direction. The People newspaper quotes a source close to the singer as saying: "Everyone wishes him well."

Cardle is currently recording the follow-up to his debut album 'Letters' in LA.

Cardle's post-X Factor 2010 success has been eclipsed by that of the year's runners-up with Rebecca Ferguson, One Direction and Cher Lloyd all scoring huge success following their time on the show. Aiden Grimshaw, who ahs been making waves with his debut single 'Is This Love' placed ninth in the year Matt won.

Watch 'Starlight' by Matt Cardle below