X Factor finalist Rachel Hylton on the run after failing to appear in court over drugs charge

Rachel Hylton, 42, who made it to the final of the fifth series of The X Factor in 2008, failed to appear at Crawley Magistrates' Court on October 29 and a warrant is out for her arrest without bail

A former X Factor finalist is reportedly wanted by the police after allegedly failing to turn up at court to face drug charges.

Rachel Hylton, now 42, was a standout contestant during the fifth season the the now-defunct ITV talent show. The talented singer impressed judges Louis Walsh, Cheryl, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell as she belted out her version of Amy Winehouse's You Know I'm No Good in her first audition in 2008.

Hylton, who was 26 when she appeared on the reality TV show, made it all the way to the final stages of the series as one of the acts from the over 25s category, mentored by Aussie icon Dannii. Her journey ended in week seven of the live episodes, when she lost in the sing-off against eventual runners-up JLS, while Alexandra Burke clinched the title in the acclaimed fifth series.

Now, 15 years on from her X Factor days, Hylton is said to have had a warrant for her arrest issued after reportedly being a no-show at a scheduled appearance before Crawley Magistrates' Court on October 29. The promising singer was reportedly charged with possessing cannabis resin at Crawley Police Station on October 13.

Cannabis resin is deemed a Class B drug by The Home Office, with the government department noting: "The classification of drugs, in Schedule 2 to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, is based on the harm they may cause."

According to The Sun, Hylton didn't provide an excuse for skipping out on Tuesday's court date, sparking authorities to issue a no-bail arrest warrant for the mum-of-five from Crawley. In addressing the bench, Prosecutor Jeremy King highlighted: "She signed the charge sheet to appear today and nothing has been heard."

Hylton was a big hit with The X Factor judges during her time on the show, with Simon Cowell telling her at one point: "Rachel, I have to say something to you. You’re very nervous, but I absolutely love you. I love this girl. I think you’re fantastic. I think you are a total breath of fresh air."

The singer was forced to deny rumours she had dumped her mentor mid competition. Following the speculation, Hylton said at the time: "Hylton issued a statement to say: "Dannii is still very much my mentor and I respect her opinions. All I want is a little more control over my performance and styling, which she is allowing me to have. But I am a fully fledged member of Team Minogue."

Mentor Dannii added: "Rachel and I have not fallen out and there has never been any discussion that she wishes to leave Team Minogue. Rachel is a raw talent. She may be the Robbie Williams of The X Factor, but I back her 100% and want her to be happy."

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