Sun
By SARA NATHAN
TV Editor
X FACTOR finalist Andy Pemberton was rushed to hospital after a panic attack, TV Biz can reveal.
The stress of appearing on the ITV1 talent show sent his blood pressure soaring.
And docs who treated the Journey South singer warned his health would suffer if he didn’t learn to relax.
Andy, 29 — who forms the duo with brother Carl — last night told how he had spent days battling with “unbearable pressure” in his head.
He said: “I didn’t have a headache — it was worse. It was just this overwhelming pain. It was scary and after a few days, I had to get it checked out and I was taken to the local A&E.
“The doctor told me I had high blood pressure and said I had to try and chill out.”
To make matters worse, Andy has been forced to leave wife Michelle, 28, and six-month-old son Leo at home in Middlesbrough.
Andy said: “It's hard to cope with everything. My lass can’t come down too often — it’s expensive.
“And the nerves every week before I get on stage are horrific.”
Following his check-up on Wednesday, Andy and brother Carl are preparing to sing Elton John’s classic Candle in the Wind tonight.
Carl, 24, also spoke for the first time since his ex-fiance Clare Dickinson claimed he abandoned her after she told him she was pregnant with their eight-month-old daughter.
Carl said: “It is very complicated. I haven’t seen my baby yet.”
Last night an X Factor spokesman said: “We’re pleased Andy has made a full recovery.”
