Axed X Factor teen Josh Brooks admits he was in a ‘volatile and toxic’ relationship with girl who’s accused him of beating her – and confesses to ‘scuffles’
Teen says he did not punch or kick her, but admits there were “scuffles”
X FACTOR wannabe JOSH BROOKS has vowed to seek professional help after he was removed from the X Factor over allegations made by his ex-girlfriend.
The 17-year-old — one half of axed act BROOKS WAY alongside identical twin brother KYLE - described his relationship with teenage sweetheart Amelia Clark as “volatile and toxic”.
And while he clearly says he did not punch or kick her, he admits there were “scuffles” between the pair.
His apology follows Josh being booted off the show after The Sun on Sunday last week revealed how Amelia told a pal they had clashed in a series of explosive fights.
But speaking to us in an exclusive interview following the band’s dramatic exit from the show, he said: “From the bottom of my heart, I am really, really sorry.
“My relationship with Amelia had become really volatile and toxic.
“We were arguing all the time. It wasn’t great — then things got physical. There was one situation that got really hostile.
"Even thought I didn't ever hit her, it's still not OK.
"I understand it is totally out of order and I’m really, really sorry that I didn’t walk away.
“I allowed things to get to that point and it’s not acceptable.
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“I’m sorry I allowed that situation to carry on. I’m sorry we’re sat here now and I’m sorry that I made the wrong choices.
“I feel bad for Kyle. I feel very sad for my nan, who has always brought us up to be well-mannered and respectful, and for my friends and family.
“I’ve let them all down and I take responsibility for that. I think I just don’t know really how to deal with some things emotionally.
“I’ve had counselling in the past and I think I need to speak to someone again.
“I need help to understand this situation and move forward. I know there’s nothing I can do to change the past.
“But I have learned a very important lesson that’ll stick with me for the rest of my life.”
During the first live shows, viewers were told Brooks Way would not be performing, with X Factor bosses temporarily suspending them so they could look into the Sun on Sunday’s allegations.
Just a day later, the show decided to remove them permanently and the girlband FOUR OF DIAMONDS have since been reinstated in their place.
Kyle told how the decision was so rushed they did not even speak to mentor LOUIS WALSH. He said: “We left by mutual consent.
“We had a heart-to-heart with producers and executives and agreed it would maybe be best if we left then.
“They needed to protect the show and we needed to protect ourselves.
I'm not a violent person
“But it did happen very quickly. We hardly had time to say goodbye to anyone and we didn’t see or speak to Louis Walsh or any of the other judges.”
The brothers share a troubled background, having been raised by their nan as both parents were heroin addicts.
Kyle said: “It doesn’t bother us now. It’s not like we don’t speak to our parents. We don’t have a close relationship. We didn’t talk to them about The X Factor but we keep in contact.
“They come and go but we’re used to that. We’d never ring them to ask for advice or help.”
Josh added: “Our nan did really well in bringing us up. She’s a real single parent.
“She’s our mum and our dad and has always taught us good morals. She has taught us right from wrong. I know people talk about troubled backgrounds but I would never, ever use that as an excuse for my mistakes.”
He went on: “I think the most important thing for me now is people know that, at heart, I’m not a violent person and that I am genuinely sorry. I don’t want to defend myself, to make excuses or cover anything up.
“I just want to apologise sincerely and promise that I have learned my lesson.”
The fee for this interview was donated by the Brooks Way boys to Women's Aid.
