The Irish in Britain, including those of Irish descent, make up a significant part of the UK population. Here, you will find news, entertainment, events, sports and features from the local Irish Post newspaper.

With Grainne McLoughlin

X-Factor winner Shayne Ward is set to go on tour with the other reality TV contestants despite suffering from a sore throat.

The second-generation Irishman has denied reports that he plans on pulling out of the X-Factor tour which kicks off this week.

He said: “Stories about me not wanting to do the tour are total nonsense.

I’ve been itching to get on stage and perform live since the night I won the X-Factor.”

“I have been to see a specialist and they have told me that singers often suffer from this problem, but that it’s nothing to worry about and I just need to rest my voice for a week or so.

“This has all been my dream and I would never want to miss the opportunity to perform to thousands of people who are fans of the show and who voted for me.

“I have been recording my album and it has been a while since I have performed to an audience so I can’t wait for the tour to begin.”