X Factor finalist revealed his roots to the Evening News

Storm has been linked with fellow X Factor hopeful Katie Waissel, but she might be shocked to learn that he told the Evening News he's gay

In an exclusive Evening News interview, X Factor finalist Storm Lee revealed he had once shoplifted on Princes Street, often skipped school, left the city for LA at 16 with only a couple of pounds in his pocket and lived in a hostel.

It's all a far cry from today when the 37-year-old aspiring pop star - the only Scottish contestant left in the competition - could be catapulted to stardom after making it down to the final 12 acts.

The interview three years ago could also shatter rumours of a relationship with fellow X Factor hopeful Katie Waissel, because at the time he happily admitted he was openly gay.

Storm said of his arrival in LA: "I had no money, I had no job and there I was, on one of the most opulent streets in the world, searching the pavement for change.

"I suppose I was a bit of a handful for my parents. Instead of going to school I'd walk over to Chambers Street museum and spend all day there. I stopped school altogether when I was 14.

"Nobody knew I was going (to the USA]. I phoned home and said I'm in a phone booth in Times Square. None of our family had ever left Scotland."

The former Evening News paperboy also revealed how as a five year old he had indulged in a bit of a "shoplifting spree in John Menzies".

Storm, who is currently living in Simon Cowell's 3.5 million mansion, returned to Edinburgh for the first time in over five years on Saturday to film a two-minute montage for this weekend's live X Factor shows. He visited his city centre home plus several landmark spots including Arthur's Seat, Calton Hill and the Grassmarket.

Today, Storm's family, including his brother Gary, nephew Danny, 12, and niece Amy, 14, said they would be offering him their full support at the first live show on Saturday.

Keen amateur golfer Gary said the family had stocked up on Storm-themed T-shirts and that they would go down every weekend if they could afford it.

He said: "My brother is my hero and I can't wait to see him perform live. He vowed to wave the flag for Scotland when he came up to Edinburgh on Saturday.

"Storm told me and my dad that he had made it to the final a couple of weeks ago, but we both kept it a secret because we thought the other didn't know. We are so happy and proud."

"I have never, ever met anyone more determined than him. I remember once when he ran a marathon in LA. It took nearly eight hours because he got huge blisters on his feet and he had to keep changing his dressings, but he wouldn't give up. He never gives up.

"His visit to Edinburgh last weekend was a bit of a secret. He had a pair of large sunglasses on and a black hat was covering his new pink hair, but a few people did recognise him."

Talking about Storm's new hair style, Gary added: "He likes to provoke a reaction."

Gary also said that Storm had vowed to take a longer visit up to Edinburgh after the show, so that he could meet his fans and watch his brother play golf.

Rumours have been circulating about a romance between Katie Waissel and Storm for the past couple of weeks - even though Simon Cowell has slapped a ban on contestants becoming romatically involved.

However, in the 2007 interview, Storm confirmed he was gay although said it was not a "huge part of my life, it's just part of my personality".

Gary said it would not be appropriate to talk about his brother's private life. He said: "I don't feel comfortable commenting on that because there's too much prejudice in this world. He's my brother and that's all that matters to me."

Bookies are offering odds of around 16/1 on Storm winning the show.

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