THE mother of X Factor contestant Matt Cardle claims her son is “no longer in control of his life”.

Jenny Cardle, of Little Maplestead, near Halstead, was speaking for the first time about the dramatic changes to her son’s life – and her snatched moments with him before the live shows.

“He’s not in control of his own life any more,” she said. “There’s no time to actually have a proper conversation.

“It’s a question of moving a few people out of the way, giving him a hug and he will say ‘hi mum’ and then he’s gone.

“I feel as though I’m watching our son from a distance. I have no idea when he’s coming back.”

The 27-year-old is one of the favourites to win the ITV television show and is regularly making national headlines.

Mrs Cardle attacked the newspapers for “making up” stories about her son.

This week, Matt was pictured in a tabloid smoking a cigarette, which the paper insinuated was a marijuana spliff.

“It was a roll up,” Mrs Cardle insisted. “They have blown things out of all proportion.

“It’s all complete rubbish. They make the most of something that’s absolutely nothing.”

Matt is not letting tabloid gossip distract him and is putting all his energy into the competition.

Like many of the other contestants he was “quite shattered”, Mrs Cardle said.

This week the theme for the show changed, so Matt has had to learn a new song, which has added to the pressure.

His mum said it was “quite nerve-wracking” watching her son on stage, but Matt was “very rarely nervous” having performed from such a young age.

The down-to-earth star has also appreciated coverage and support from the Gazette and its sister weekly papers.

Mrs Cardle said: “Matt has been blown away by all the coverage. He cracked up when he saw the stuff about his hat.

“Matt’s never been after pop stardom. He’s always just wanted to be a musician. ”