X Factor stars call for Kye Sones to replace Maloney on X Factor tour
Contestants furious after singer's 'c***' outburst
- Maloney pulled out of the live final after reports he was abusive to staff on the show and fellow finalist, Carolynne Poole. It was reported that he was still drunk after a heavy night out beforehand.
A number of X Factor stars are putting pressure on the show's bosses to replace Chris Maloney with Kye Sones for the next year's arena tour.
Kye, who was booted off the show in week five, was a favourite among the other stars and became close friends with many of them.
Maloney on the other hand has clashed with other contestants throughout the show, with many claiming that he was 'wearing a mask' while the public eye was on him.
Last weekend Maloney stormed out of rehearsals after learning that he only had one line for the group song.
He also intensified the other contestants' fury at him when it emerged that he'd screamed abuse at Carolynne Poole, leaving the singer upset.
Bosses are now worried about how he'll interact with other contestants if he's allowed on the tour which already includes winner James Arthur, Union J, Rylan Clarke, Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas and District 3.
All but Jahmene and District 3 have taken to Twitter to call for Sones to take Maloney's place.
But there's a lot at stake, with the tour of UK arenas potentially earning each of the performers £100,000.
An insider told The Sun that they were '90 per cent sure' that Maloney wouldn't be on the tour lineup, but that it may mean that refunds have to be offered to any fans who bought tickets to see the Liverpudlian crooner.
"The other contestants have made no bones about the fact Kye was one of their best friends on the show and they would love him to tour," a source said.
"Nobody got on with Chris and after his outburst against Carolynne on SUnday, everyone is furious with him.
"They can't bear the thought of having to tour with him whie Kye misses out."
Kye Sones performing on X Factor earlier this year
Runner-up Jahmene and finalists Ella Henderson and Union J are all expected to be offered record deals by the show's boss Simon Cowell.
But despite the bad blood between Maloney and others involved in the show, the singer might also be offered a one-album deal of covers.
The insider said: "Chris has shown how popular he is by winning the vote on the first seven shows.
"If Cowell doesn't give him and album deal then someone else will - and if you targeted an album of covers around Mothers' Day then it could sell."
Below: The Christopher Maloney files - a series worth of X Factor gossip
