X FACTOR hopeful Rylan Clark hit back on Twitter after critics blasted his singing ability.

The 23-year-old laun-ched into a foul-mouthed four-letter tirade on the social network site after fans of singers who failed to make the grade claimed Rylan didn’t deserve his place in the competition.

An axed singer also criticised Rylan and bosses of the ITV talent show by claiming the competition was a fix.

But tweeting them back, Rylan said: “I’ve been told not to react to all the **** on here but sorry, I’m a mouthy ******* so I’m gonna. I’ve earned my place at judges’ houses just like every other person in this comp, not everyone is going to like me, I know that.

“But don’t judge me for doing something I’ve always wanted to do. For those who are supportive thank you so much, it means the world.”

Rylan, from Stanford-le-Hope, controversially made it through to the judges houses stage of the contest at the weekend ahead of more established singers.

Angry fans of rocker Joseph Whelan, who missed out on a place, hit out at the decision while single dad Joseph launched a scathing attack on the flamboyant Essex boy.

He is reported to have said: “Rylan has a great look and great personality – but the man can’t sing.”

He also accused the show of being “a fix” after he was allegedly tipped for success by bosses and always received positive comments from the celebrity judging panel, including Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh.

After Rylan’s rant, Joseph later took to Twitter to apologise. He tweeted: “Please guys don’t blame @RylanClark for the @TheXFactor decision. He is a great guy and I wish him all the best. He is born to be a celeb X”