X Factor's Tom Bleasby quits ahead of Nick Grimshaw's Judges' Houses

He said the decision to leave was "tough"

Tom Bleasby performing on the X Factor (SYCO/THAMES TV/PA)

X Factor finalist Tom Bleasby has withdrawn from the singing contest for “personal reasons.”

The 19-year-old’s shock departure comes after he made it into judge Nick Grimshaw’s final six in the boys category.

I need more time to get better myself, as I don't feel like I'm strong enough

&#13; <p>Tom Bleasby </p>&#13;

This means the contestant will not appear on the Judges’ Houses episodes of the talent show.

The singer told the X Factor website on ITV.com that the decision was “tough” and that he was still discovering himself.

“I just don't know if I felt vocally ready to take on the competition and the pressure,” he said.

He added: “I'm quite a relatively new singer, back in March, I was singing in my bedroom, so I've never took to live performing very well.

“There are some amazing singers and I feel like I need more time to get better myself, as I don't feel like I'm strong enough,” adding that he felt he would have been “selfish” to stop someone else getting further in the competition.

He went on to thank those who had backed him, and called his mentor “incredible” and “supportive”.

“Hopefully given time, I could get there with more time to grow artistically and vocally.”

Disappointed fans of the show sent Mr Bleasby their support over Twitter.

The X Factor confirmed Mr Bleasby’s decision to leave the show “due to personal reasons”.

The show’s makers will later reveal their plans for the Judge's Houses episodes.

Additional reporting by PA