Hot on the new wave of fresh allegations against the talent show, X- Factor, Mary Byrne added some weight to the argument. She was quoted saying, “It’s obvious Simon didn’t want me there”, and she also went on to say that none of the contestants new that there was going to be a sing off before Saturday.

This is the real edge of the controversy, as in previous years the show at semi – final stage has always been decided by public vote. None of the contestants or the viewers at home new anything about the sing off, or the contestant’s fate being put in the hands of the judges.

Many fans feel they have been cheated out of money and made to feel foolish by the show.  Especially as they were told voting for their favourite was the only way to keep them in it.

It’s not all bad news for the Irish singer, as if rumours are correct she has netted an album deal worth somewhere in the region of a million pounds.

Should the X-Factor be fixed like many believe and, especially in this series where there has been plenty of decisions that have not made sense to the public, the show’s legacy, and indeed that of the contestants will be one that is constantly overshadowed by cheating.

The X – Factor continues this weekend.