Steve Brookstein slams press 'agenda'

Steve Brookstein has criticised the media for its coverage of The X Factor and his own career.

The former winner of the programme told Metro that he would not talk to certain outlets because of their stance on the reality talent show.

Brookstein said: "There are always people who will have an agenda. The Sun, for instance, buys into The X Factor so much, there is no way I could do an interview with them.

"There has been negativity in the past. I've played at top jazz clubs many times. That has never been reported. But I do one show on a ferry and one at Butlins, both well paid, and it becomes headline news."

He added that Simon Cowell's "propaganda" was that he could not sell records but he was dropped from his record label 12 weeks after having a number one album.