Last year’s X Factor winner James Arthur has given an emotional interview addressing his recent career problems.

Speaking to The Sun on Sunday newspaper, the 25-year-old musician explained the circumstances surrounding his use of homophobic language and ill-advised Twitter messages.

James stated: “I've been an idiot. All I can say is it was ego – foolish, foolish pride. I got ideas above my station and I made mistakes.”

He went on: “All my confidence has disappeared because the whole nation thinks I'm a homophobe who looks like a monster.”

Addressing his use of the word “queer” in a song aimed at rapper Mickey Worthless the ‘Recovery’ singer explained:

“My mates were telling me not to be a puppet and to hit back. I felt roped into it. At the time I was out with my sister and her boyfriend. I'd had a couple of drinks which I don't normally do. I decided to make a diss track. I made it in 15 minutes in my home studio. On reflection, it was the most immature, ridiculous thing I've ever done.”

The Middlesbrough talent show winner added: “The word 'queer' was used in the rap which should never have been the case. In society you can't use language like that.”

This is not the first time James Arthur has expressed regret over his behaviour as he also offered an on-air apology during an appearance on The X Factor earlier this month.

Watch a recent James Arthur interview below: