X Factor hopeful's rape secret

One of the contestants tipped to claim victory on the X Factor is hiding an agonising secret, it has been revealed today.

12:46 13 October 2005

One of the contestants tipped to claim victory on the X Factor is hiding an agonising secret, it has been revealed today.

Shayne Ward, 21 this weekend, is seen by many as a potential winner of the reality TV show, having been named as one of four finalists in judge Louis Walsh's under-25 category.

But he will have to do it without any paternal support, as his dad is currently serving eight years behind bars for raping an elderly woman.

Martin Joseph Ward, 50, was sentenced three months ago at Liverpool crown court, but has had little to no contact with his son for years.

The judge hearing the case called it a "disgraceful offence" at the time and Shayne is said to have been devastated by the news.

In a statement, the Manchester pop hopeful said: "It's been a distressing time for the family. Now I just want to concentrate on Saturday."

X Factor bosses confirmed that Shayne has not seen his dad for six years after he left his mum when he was ten.

Before today's revelation, hunky Shayne was said to be the favourite for the 1 million recording contract prize, after impressing all three judges with his charisma.

Walsh, and his fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell, are all believed to be rooting for Shayne to take the top prize, as they believe he has long-term potential in the music industry.

A show insider told the Sunday Mirror: "They have made it clear Shayne is their favourite. He has everything going for him. He's young, handsome and looks really good on TV - everything [Steve] Brookstein wasn't.

"This year the judges don't care if the public know who they favour more - they want a real star and Shayne oozes X Factor charm."