X Factor runner-up Andy Abraham has revealed he’s returned to work as a binman after his gigs dried up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The singer, 56, said he’s enjoyed going back to his old job as it’s kept him busy during the lockdown, with many fans still asking him to belt out a tune as he picks up their rubbish.

Andy – who became known as The Singing Binman to many fans – finished in second place behind Shayne Ward on The X Factor in 2005, and has since released four albums and continued to perform across the UK.

Andy told Metro he decided to go back to his old job after all his gigs were cancelled due to the pandemic, and has enjoyed the chance to reconnect with many of his old fans.

He said: ‘I’m literally singing out there as I was during the show. I’m back to being the official singing binman, which is kind of cool. I’m just enjoying keeping my feet on the ground.

‘People are very, very encouraging, they’re really, really happy to see us. I’ve even had people asking me to sing! I have been singing out there and that’s been fun.

‘It kind of makes [people] realise the voice I had back in the day and why they supported me.’

Despite being a fan favourite Andy lost out on the X Factor crown to winner Shayne, but went onto release his debut album with Sony in 2006, which peaked at number two in the charts.

His second album failed to repeat the success, and Andy was dropped by his record label after it only reached number 19 in the charts.

Andy went onto represent the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2008, but went onto finish in last place after earning just 14 points.

The star was declared bankrupt in 2012, but had continued to perform at events and other gigs across the UK until the pandemic hit.

Last year the star admitted he struggled with depression after his financial woes, telling BBC in 2016: ‘You’re thrust into this mad world. You do start to think, ”why am I not getting this work anymore?”

‘I was doing a lot of wrong to myself and not realising. I’d always go out and perform, no matter what. Once, my wife asked if I loved her and I said, ‘I don’t know’. I didn’t know who I was or what was going on.’

Andy added that while he’s enjoyed returning to his old job he hopes to get back to performing once the crisis is over.