3,000 complain over X Factor

After the controversial sing-off, Cowell has been accused of...

12:20 10 November 2009

The X Factor has reportedly received over 3000 complaints after SundayÂ’s controversial sing-off which saw Lucie Jones leave and the Grimes twins remain.

It has been alleged that judge Simon Cowell knew the public had voted against eliminated Jones when he voted for a deadlock.

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has also received 50 separate complaints and could even start an investigation after the shock vote result, which saw John and Edward stay despite CowellÂ’s constant criticism of their performances.

On the Saturday night show the prolific judge also told Jones that sheÂ’d had given her best performance of the series, leading to viewers asking why he chose to force the voting deadlock whereby two judges vote one way and the other two judges vote against it, leading to a public decision.

There has been speculation that Cowell knew the result and wanted to keep the twins in as theyÂ’d attract more votes - and more headlines.

Cowell last night denied those accusations, and said: “I know there will be lots of people who will criticise the decision to let it to go to deadlock, but I honestly could not have predicted the way public voting had gone - I never get told the voting figures.

“The twins are good entertainment and there would be criticism either way. I really just couldn't make up my mind, that's why I left it to the public.”

A source apparently close to Cowell told The Daily Mail: “At the end of the day, all we are doing is entertaining people. Simon actually thought the boys would go.

“Nobody voted for Lucie - and let's not forget that Simon had actually told her she had given her best performance of the series the night before.”

This is the second time in two weeks that Cowell has forced a deadlock resulting in the underdogs going through. Last time the highly criticised Lloyd Daniels won over praised teen sensation Rachel Adedeji.