‘X Factor’ contestant Paije Richardson pulled out of rehearsals yesterday (October 19) after hearing the sad news that his grandmother had passed away.

The 19-year-old hopeful from Reading left the studios in Covent Garden, London immediately after hearing the news. However, an ‘X Factor’ spokesperson told the Mail Online that they are expecting Richardson to return in time for Saturday’s performance.

Richardson is a wildcard in the competition after being turned down by Dannii Minogue in the judges’ house round. He was also turned down at his initial audition by Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell, but was ultimately brought back into the competition by Louis Walsh, who offered him a second chance.

Despite this rocky start, the cinema worker has managed to stay out of the bottom three and win over audiences with his soulful voice.

Watch Paije’s performance of 'If I Ain't Got You' from last week: