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X Factor hopeful Rylan Clark has admitted to using tanning drug Melanotan II, despite it being illegal.

The drug, designed for use by cancer patients, allows users to change the colour of their skin from pale to a darker shade. Rylan, who divided judges during the first live show with a performance of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', spoke to The Sun about his use of the drug, saying:

“I’m vain. I couldn’t help myself. It was crazy.”

Adding: “I’m a tanorexic. But I took things too far.” Rylan, who has a tanning booth at his Essex home, added: “Melanotan II is not illegal to buy but it’s illegal to sell. It was developed to treat cancer patients.”
 
Rylan, a victim of schoolyard bullying, the added: “Growing up I got a lot of stick for being gay, fat, pasty and ginger. I thought to myself, ‘Well I can’t change the gay thing but everything else I can sort out’.”

Rylan will discover his X Factor fate tonight (October 7) when the first contestant is eliminated from the competition during a live show.