AFTER 13 weeks fighting to stay in The X-Factor, contestant Tom Mann is heading home to Chandler’s Ford today after a rollercoaster weekend.

The 21-year-old and his fellow bandmates in Stereo Kicks were given the boot on Sunday night after weeks of audience approval and getting the nod from the judges.

But their dream came to an end after they performed Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up, leaving the judges split on whether to save Tom’s band or 17-year-old singer Lauren Platt.

It was Simon Cowell who made the choice to vote off Stereo Kicks.

Tom’s sister Sophie Buckley said: “We are all completely gutted for the boys, but so proud of them too.

“They haven’t really had any time to sit and reflect on their time on The X Factor as yet (other than their best bits which were shown on the show).

“The family are obviously upset for the boys but we are amazed at how talented Stereo Kicks have shown they are, and they've all made great friendships.

“Tom showed his maturity and composure last night when they were voted out of the competition and we are so proud of the way he handled that.

“We can’t wait to have him home tomorrow, although we hope this will be the start of the next stage of their journey as Stereo Kicks.”

Daily Echo:

Stereo Kicks. Pic by Syco/Thames TV

She thanked the Daily Echo for keeping the support for Tom going.

She said: “Thank you so much for keeping Tom at the forefront of everyone’s minds and by showing him all the support that is out there.”

Tom, a Southampton football coach who lives in Chandler’s Ford, appeared in last year’s competition as a solo artist.

Only four acts now remain in the competition – Platt, Andrea Faustini, Ben Haenow and Fleur East.