James Arthur is "embarrassed" by his past behaviour.

James Arthur

James Arthur

The 'X Factor' winner was the subject of controversy in 2013 after he found himself in a Twitter feud with Micky Worthless that saw him use derogatory homophobic language toward the rapper.

The 28-year-old singer also hit out at One Direction in a tweet that involved the words "f**k boy bands" and was in a long running spat with fellow 'X Factor' alumni Matt Cardle over record sales.

Now though, the 'Recovery' singer has said he "didn't realise" the knock-on effect that his actions would have, and he has blamed his outbursts on the "pressure" of being in the spotlight.

He said: "I suffered with the pressure. I wasn't prepared for scrutiny and attention. It felt super quick. I pressed the self-destruct button. I didn't realise the repercussions and the devastation my behaviour would cause. My character behaviour, I was a very embarrassed by - it's tough to look back on the adversities that followed my actions. I buckled under the pressure."

The musician now claims he is a reformed character, and can't believe how well his comeback single 'Say You Won't Let Go' has been received by fans.

The song is his first release in two years, and his first from upcoming album 'Back From The Edge'.

He admitted that he was "better equipped" to deal with the spotlight now and promised he wouldn't be "lashing out" in the same way any more.

Speaking on UK TV show 'This Morning', he said: "I need to stop beating myself up. I was calling ambulances out because of anxiety attacks - I got tired of that. [If] I fight and make some music that's honest, and be real and be positive from now on, it may connect with people. I lived on that whim. I'm much better equipped to deal with it. I won't be lashing out or responding to negativity any more."

'Back From The Edge' is out November 4.

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