This X Factor hopeful will be given second chance at Judges’ Houses

He has been given another shot.

X Factor's Sam Black has been given a second chance after he being brought back to the singing competition for Judges' Houses. The 27-year-old was chosen to replace Liverpudlian Anthony Russell, who secured a spot at Judges' Houses on Sunday night's show. Anthony quit the show for "personal reasons", which left a spot open for a singer in the Boys category. New dad Sam will rejoin the competition at the upcoming Judges' Houses section, which is due to air on October 21 and 22. Judge Louis Walsh, who is mentoring the Boys category this year, made the announcement following last night's episode. He said:

 "Anthony has been fantastic across the series, a great singer and performer who we are really sad to see go. "I had to think for a long time who could take the place. Sam had a great reaction from the British public when his audition aired. "So I re-watched it and realised we missed a trick not putting him through at Boot Camp. He has that retro 60s style viewers will love. He's really likeable and talented and I can't wait to hear more."

Meanwhile, Sam said he was "over the moon" to be given the second shot at the competition. He added:

"Obviously, I feel terrible for Anthony because he is not only an amazing singer but also a lovely guy. He has even messaged me good luck. "I really appreciate the second chance I've been given and I feel so lucky to get this opportunity. My family and I are over the moon."

Sam had previously made it to the Boot Camp stage of the ITV competition, where he popped the question to girlfriend Emma after his audition. Despite getting axed by the judges, he asked them if he could do one more thing before he left the X Factor stage. He said:

"Is there something I can do before I go, because I’m never going to get this chance."

He asked Emma to join him on stage, before getting down on one knee and asking:

"Do you reckon I can get a 'yes' off you?"