Joe Irvine: No support after X Factor

Joe Irvine says he suffered from a lack of support after leaving The X Factor. Photo/TV3

Axed X Factor contestant Joe Irvine has spoken out about the rough patch he went through after he was eliminated from the reality TV show.

Irvine, who was on the receiving end of a tirade of abuse from former judges Natalia Kills and Willy Moon, told The Southland Times while he may have received plenty of support on the show there was none afterwards.

"You need a really big support network [when it ends]," Irvine said.

"I went through a bit of depression. But then I realised I've got a bigger life ahead of me."

TV3 told the Herald that X Factor contestants were supported "throughout The X Factor experience"

A spokeswoman also said, "Support continues to be available after eliminated contestants leave the show".

Irvine was also supported by Mediaworks during the furore sparked when Kills and Moon accused Irvine of ripping off Moon's look.

Moon compared Irvine to a fictional serial killer.

The pair were later sacked for their comments, and replaced by Shelton Woolright and Natalie Bassingthwaighte.

The The X Factor will announce a winner tonight during a two-hour finale.

- nzherald.co.nz