'X Factor's Declan Sykes: 'I just ignore the haters'

X Factor star Declan Sykes has revealed that he has been abused in the street by strangers.

The 15-year-old wannabe singer from Fitzroy, who was eliminated from the Australian version of the reality television competition earlier this week, said that his "weird" style has made him a target of bullies.

Sykes told the Herald Sun: "It's pretty clear I was the weird and awkward one on the show. The haters are going to hate. You are always going to get people who say those things just because they can, it's just how society works.

"I walk down the street and you get the dudes in hoodies who bag you out. You get it, you've just got to move on."

Sykes also thanked his mother for being a great support as he dealt with negative press.

The teenager, however, refused to comment on allegations that he was bullied on The X Factor by fellow contestant Mitchell Callaway.

Judge Guy Sebastian publicly slammed Callaway after insiders claimed that he tried to prick Aspergers syndrome sufferer Sykes with a pin backstage.

Sykes's mother denied the rumours at the time and he has now said: "I don't want to go into that right now. By my own accord, just backed up by other people."

Watch Declan Sykes perform on The X Factor below: