Former X Factor winner Matt Cardle thanks fans during his stint in rehab

Matt Cardle has posted a photo of a handwritten thank you letter to fans for their support after he was admitted to rehab.

The former X Factor winner checked into The Priory Clinic on December 29, reportedly to overcome his addiction to prescription drugs.

He has posted a photo of a letter he has written to fans on his Twitter and Instagram pages which reads: "I want to thank my fans for all your lovely messages of support. I'm getting myself better...

"I want to be ready to give it 110 per cent on tour next year. I love you all and will see you on the other side. Happy New Year! All my love, Matt."

Matt is due to perform 18 dates across the UK and Ireland promoting his new album, Porcelain.

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix.

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.