Controversial X Factor contestant Christopher Maloney will be joining next year's live tour, despite many of the finalists calling for former contestant Kye Sones to replace him.

Maloney divided audiences on this year's show - beating off some of the most-loved singers to make it through to the final three acts of the competition, with reports of his "fake" behaviour and "diva-ish" ways hitting headlines.

The wannabe singer - who came third in the competition behind runner-up Jahmene Douglas and winner James Arthur - didn't appear on the show's live final night on Sunday (December 9), citing vocal problems.

However, it had been reported online that his no-show was because he allegedly turned up to rehearsals drunk and was being abusive to fellow contestants and production staff.

His inclusion on The X Factor tour was called into question recently, but representatives from the show have confirmed to the Daily Mail that he will indeed be part of the string of shows next year.

Finalists including this year's champion Arthur took to Twitter to show their support for former contestant Sones.

The winner took to his page to simply write: "#getkyeonthexfactortour (sic)," while fan favourite Ella Henderson wrote: "Xxx want u there big bro!! (sic)"

Because of his reported bad behaviour, Maloney has been targeted by many people on Twitter, and he called for the abuse on the social networking site to stop.

He posted: "Please stop online abuse, all I done was follow my dream, coming 3rd was an -achievement. Feel gutted I didn't win and I'm unwell right now. Please. (sic)"