Rylan's mum: Ignore the threats son (From Thurrock Gazette)

X Factor Rylan Clark

10:05am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News

Rylan Clark sings at judge's houses

RYLAN Clark’s mum has told her son not to let Twitter death threats get him down.

Linda Clark, from Stanford-le-Hope, said Rylan is a lovely person, and is surprised at all the abuse he has received since appearing on the X Factor.

She said: “Rylan has worked so hard to get this far, he’ll tell you himself he’s not best singer in the competition, but he can sing and he is such a good entertainer.

“He is a brilliant, lovely person, everyone who knows him well idolises him and the family are all behind him, we are so proud of him.

“I’ve spoken to him about the horrible things being said on Twitter – it is hard for him, but I’ve told him not to let it affect him and definitely not to answer back, as it only gives people ammunition.”

Linda, who suffers from severe Chrones disease, added: “Every year there is someone that people have to pick on, I just hope they’ll leave him alone soon and his personality will win people over.”

Linda said her son has wanted to be a performer ever since he was a little boy and she hopes the show will give him the break he needs to launch a career.

She said: “He has always loved performing, he used to do all the shows at secondary school and he was always in drama and theatre schools growing up. I’m so pleased something has come right for him.”

Linda said the reaction has been brilliant. She said: “We’ve had school kids knocking on the door for Rylan’s autograph and people stopping by to say they’re rooting for him, it’s been lovely.”