Pop star Andy to tour with Pete Andre

Nov 23 2012 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

X Factor star Andrew Merry is set for the big time after his band won a recording deal.

The Risk, who suffered a surprise early exit from last year’s reality show, have been snapped up by music giant Warner Bros.

A debut single, called Missiles, will be released in January and record executives have high hopes for its success.

The boys will tour with Peter Andre in a bid to raise their profile before the big launch.

Andy, from Ayr, said: “We’ve enjoyed an amazing year since X Factor and done something crazy like 250 shows.

“But the time had come for us to move on and establish ourselves as a credible act on our own.

“Warner were very keen from the outset to have us and we were flattered by their interest because they are obviously a huge deal in the music industry.

“The guy who is looking after us is the same guy who discovered The Killers, so we’re in very good hands.”

The Risk made a hot start to last year’s X Factor and were being tipped to win the show before making a shock exit.

But Andy says the experience has prepared them for their shot at the charts.

He confessed: “If it wasn’t for the X Factor, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

“The tour with Peter Andre should be great as we play 35 arenas across the UK, so it’s more fantastic experience. And I can’t wait for our single to come out.”

Missiles will be available for pre-order on iTunes before release in January.