X Factor star Chris Leonard’s parents have admitted they are “gutted” they can’t afford to support him in London.
Devastated Paddy and Trish Leonard don’t have the €800 required to be by the Stereo Kicks singer’s side in the UK capital tonight.
Instead they will be watching their 19-year-old son from their local pub –Â Byrne’s of Ballivor, in Co Meath – after running out of cash after two weeks jetting to London.
Stereo Kicks: Chris’ parents have called on Ireland to support them | ITV
It has particularly hurt Paddy, 53, as he has been missing the cash from playing gigs with his trad band Dubh Linn.
He added: “We are gutted but we can’t afford to go over to X Factor this week. My biggest gigs are always Friday and Saturday and that’s when the live shows are on in England.
“Between flights and hotels, you’re running up bills of up to €800 each week.”
But Paddy has called on Irish people to get behind Stereo Kicks – after they finished in the bottom two last week.
Going forward: Stereo Kicks’ Chris Leonard is managed by Louis Walsh |Â VIPIRELAND.COM
“You can’t put words on it. I’ve been in music 30 years and to see your son doing so well at it is incredible,” he told the Irish Sun.
“If he goes no further, I won’t care. The most special night of my life came when the judges gave him four yeses for a song he wrote himself as a solo artist.
“Chris has the talent to win the X Factor. But he’s not getting the support from home he needs.”
