Ben Mills refuses 'X Factor' return

Last year's X Factor contestant Ben Mills has turned down an offer from TV producers to make an appearance on this year's series and has insisted that he should never have taken part in the contest.

Mentored by Sharon Osbourne, Mills came third in the 2006 series of the reality show behind Ray Quinn and eventual winner Leona Lewis.

The singer revealed during a Variety Club charity event that he had been approached by TV bosses to make an appearance during the current programme.

He said: "I’m still in touch with people who work on X Factor. They have been in touch and said do you wanna come on and do some stuff. But to be totally honest I’m really trying to sidestep anything to do with the X Factor now because I don’t think it’s going to do me any favours.

"Now I really want to concentrate on getting away from it and coming out with the next album. Let everyone concentrate on this year’s X Factor and forget me as someone who was on the X Factor."

The 27-year-old also admitted that he had only gone on the show as a last resort and he should never have entered the contest.

He is signed to SonyBMG and is currently working on his second album, following the release of his debut, Picture Of You, earlier this year.