'I know how much it means to him': Shane Filan breaks down in tears after Nicholas performs at X Factor Judges' Houses
We're used to seeing tears during the Judges' Houses stage of The X Factor, but it's not usually the celebrity guest helpers who show their emotions.
Shane Filan, 34, was overcome with empathy for Nicholas McDonald after his audition, that he was reduced to tears in front of the cameras.
With Louis Walsh, Sinitta and Nicole Appleton by his side, the former Westlife star said: 'It's so hard to watch... I know exactly how he feels.'
Affected: Shane Filan breaks down after Nicholas performs on the X Factor
Nicholas was the final Boys hopeful to perform in front of the judges - the first time three additional helpers have been featured on the ITV show.
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Shane had already been a guest judge on The X Factor with Louis Walsh, his former manager during his time in the Irish five-piece boyband.
McDonald sang If You're Not The One, by Daniel Bedingfield - which Louis' previous winner Shayne Ward had sung in the 2009 final - impressing the judges with his melodic voice.
Empathetic: The former Westlife star said he knew how McDonald feels, going through the pressures of musical success as a young man himself
Reaction: Shane responded this way after Nicholas started crying following his performance of If You're Not The One by Daniel Bedingfield
Long career: Before Westlife, Kian Egan and Mark Feehily were with Filan in a band known as I.O.U. during their teens
But after the song was over and Walsh asked him "why he deserved to go through" the 16-year old broke down in tears.
Nicole and Sinitta's motherly instincts burst through as they both raced over to the young lad to console him, and let him now how good his performance was.
While Shane looked on from afar with tears in his eyes, surprising himself with his emotional reaction.
'I can't believe I'm crying,' Filan told the over judges.
Pressure: At 16 its hard for the young lad to cope with his ambition to make it in the music industry
Mother's instinct: Nicole Appleton and Sinitta run p to console Nicholas after he performs
Doing great: Separated from her cheating husband Liam Gallagher, Nicole looked as though she was handling her heartbreak well
While Shane may have drawn attention with his sensitive nature, Sinitta tried to grab the viewers in her typically obvious way.
The 49-year old walked out to meet the Boys hopefuls in a white string bikini and matching fan, going for actual clothing rather than leaves on this occasion.
However that may not have been the outfit she wanted to get attention for as she tweeted on Saturday: 'Happy with choices? Can't tweet at dinner, guess they cut my special outfit this time. Thanks for the feedback I'm definitely marmite oops... (sic)'.
Former All Saints singer Nicole did well on the show, proving herself to be getting through her break up with husband Liam Gallagher with strength and courage.
Tweeting after the show, Appleton wrote: 'Thanks for the lovely tweets everyone... X Factor!!!! Xxxx'.
Typical: Sinitta had to be centre of attention in a white bikini while Nicole looked chic in a black top and shorts with leopard print heels
Got enough help there? Nicole Appleton, Shane Filan and Sinitta join Louis as guest mentors in St Tropez
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