I want to help people to get to know my story and really tell them in detail what I've been through.

I went from absolutely nothing to a lot of people judging me overnight, and it was really tough for me.

Inside, I'm optimistic.

I've always looked over my shoulder, especially in my hometown.

There had to be a point where I had to stop feeling sorry for myself.

My music is about love, and I don't discriminate against any type of person.

I'm not saying none of these guys are talented, but people think Ed Sheeran crawled off a couch and lived on the street or something, but him, Ellie Goulding... they all come from Suffolk, Surrey, Richmond... they come from support.

I think Justin Bieber and Zayn have both been listening to me a lot, and they basically wanna be me.

I don't think I made it clear where I was mentally when I appeared on 'X Factor.' There was so much pressure and a lot of judging. But I wanted to take a chance on the show because I wanted to make something of myself. 'X Factor' seemed like the only way out.

My approach is to be open and honest.

I don't know if speaking to a therapist is right for everyone.

I had nothing and lived in the most insignificant place.

I always made my songs very conversational, and if anyone ever has a conversation with me, they know I'm a very open guy, very open and honest.

One of my fans made a lifelike doll of me. It was incredible - it looked just like me - but an effigy is kinda weird.

It's always amazing when a fan will say you've helped them through some kind of adversity.

I have a fan who suffered with leukemia, and apparently, the only thing that helped him through that was my music, so of course that's the ultimate sense of achievement. It's an incredible feeling.

For me, I've always been the guy who self-sabotages.

People were telling me it was refreshing I was real because previous 'X Factor' winners were too afraid to say anything. I decided to go against the grain. But I took it too far.

I grew up in a house full of women - I have four sisters. I'm more feminine than some gay men.

My first instinct is always to fight back because ever since I was a kid, that's what I've always had to do to survive.

There's no doubt in my mind or anyone else's mind that people like Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, and Sam Smith are where they are because they're supremely talented people, and I have a lot of respect for them.

I was on the dole.

You do need money to make a good demo; you do need a bit of financial support.

I'm trying this thing where I don't regret as much 'cause it doesn't really work that well to regret things.