Speaking to me backstage at X Factor rehearsals yesterday ( Friday) James confirmed to me that he's in good health and 'raring to go in the competition and hopefully get a bit further.'

The singer also revealed that his song choice could trigger some tears this week. James told me " I've known what to sing ever since I knew about the theme. It's one them songs that  when you hear it, you can't helped but get touched by it or emotional…on a rare occasion I could maybe shed a tear and that's one of them songs that does that. Hopefully if I deliver it, in the right, a couple of people might shed a tear across the nation."

Before her departure from the show, James also admitted that he doesn't know if Lucy Spraggan will be well enough to perform on Saturday's show 'it is very upsetting that she's ill, first and foremost and I genuinely hope she gets better but I genuinely don't know what point she's at the moment- I just hope she comes back and does what she does best.'

UK No.1 stars Labrinth and Emeli Sande both publicly supported James, last week, after James was seen performing with Labrinth in Manchester. James confessed to me 'I couldn't help in having  a confidence boost after sharing a stage with Labrinth and getting the praise, like Emeli Sande a huge huge artists, publicly saying she'd like to work with me..wow, that's the stuff dreams are made of.'

James also talked to me about mentor Nicole Scherzinger ('I'm now at the point now where I can look at her in the eye without blushing')  Rylan ('I wouldn't be seen dead in those outfits") and coping with female attention. ' I'm still don't get it but I'm embracing it..what bloke wouldn't want that!'

Rita Ora and No Doubt both perform on Sunday's show and Mr Arthur is a confirmed fan of both acts. '..two of the hottest acts in the world, I can't wait to see them.'

Listen to my chat with James here...