X Factor - Rhydian Roberts was rugby mad
3 December 2007 – Rhydian Roberts was mad on rugby rather than music while at school, his former teacher has revealed.
According to Huw Thomas, Rhydian's teenage years did not include him thinking about a career in pop - a path which may be likely following his popularity on X Factor.
Speaking to Wales on Sunday, Mr Thomas, who taught Rhyd rugby, said he was not a member of the choir until the age of 16 and was "sports mad".
"You would never associate him now with the confidence that he shows on the screen," he added. "Never in a month of Sundays did I think he would end up doing this."
Not only is Rhydian proving a hit with viewers due to his classically-trained voice, but he is also well-known for extravagant outfits and staging.
He has covered Go West by the Pet Shop Boys dressed in a sailor outfit, while he also caused a scene after appearing in a sequined suit and fur coat singing a Shirley Bassey number.
Meanwhile, he told the Daily Star recently that he is starting to "feel the pressure" of the show, Showbiz Spy reported.
He said that although it is flattering to be the favourite to win, it means every performance is expected to be good.
