Shayne Ward 'dropped by Simon Cowell label'

Shayne Ward has reportedly been dropped by his record label Syco.

Speculation about the X Factor winner's future at the label began in December when it was claimed that bosses were unhappy with the performance of Ward's latest single and album.

The 26-year-old returned from a three-year break with his third album Obsession, which peaked at number 15 in the chart. His comeback single 'Gotta Be Somebody' charted at number 12 following a performance on The X Factor.

According to The Sun, Ward has now become the fourth male winner of the ITV1 show to be dumped, after it was claimed that Joe McElderry had also been dropped by Simon Cowell's label.

"Shayne's a nice lad and works hard but people just don't seem to want to buy his music," a source told the paper. "He doesn't fit into the categories of stuff kids buy. He'd be better off in a boyband."

A Syco spokesman has apparently confirmed the news, adding: "After five very successful years and an international career which saw him sell over 3.2 million records, Shayne's contract has come to an end."

Speaking to Digital Spy in February, Ward branded "rumours" about his contract as "lazy journalism", and explained that while his three-album deal was coming to an end, he was about to enter negotiations for his next record.

Watch Shayne Ward's video for 'Gotta Be Somebody' below: