X Factor's Louis Walsh forced to make grovelling apology to Misha B as Sami Brookes DENIES she was bullied by rival contestant

By Holly Thomas

Last updated at 2:20 PM on 24th October 2011


Louis Walsh stunned millions when he accused contestant Misha B of backstage bullying on X Factor's live Saturday show.

And less than 24 hours later the 59-year-old was forced to issue a humiliating apology for his inappropriate remark.

Now, in a bizarre twist, Misha's alleged 'victim', now-eliminated Sami Brookes, has declared that 'there was no bullying going on at all.'

Humiliating: Louis Walsh has been forced to apologise for his claim on X Factor's live Saturday show that Misha B was 'bullying' one of his contestants

Rubbish: Ex-contestant Sami Brookes, pictured on ITV Daybreak, said during her interview that claims Misha bullied her are completely false

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, 31-year-old Sami said: 'There have been accusations, but I'm going to stamp out the bullying thing. There has been no bullying going on at all.'

'Can you imagine? I'm nearly 6ft, she [Misha] is 5ft bloody 1. As if she's going to bully a big girl like me. It's laughable and ridiculous.'

LOUIS WILL STAY AS JUDGE SAYS SIMON COWELL

It was reported in The Sun that Simon Cowell has been tipped to replace Louis Walsh on the X Factor judging panel next year to boost falling ratings.
The paper claimed that show bosses believed Simon's move to the US was the fatal flaw which has seen this series loose 2.5 million viewers.
The Daily Mail can confirm these suggestions are incorrect, and that Simon sent Louis a supportive text last night to dispel rumours that he would be asked to leave the show.

Referring to Tulisa raising the subject of Misha's alleged 'mean comments' on the show, the singer added: 'I don't disagree with what Tulisa did. She was just standing up for her act at the end of the day'.

Sami finished with praise for her former rival, saying: 'Misha is confident in her own skin. She knows how to work it. She knows how to stand on a stage. I haven't got a bad thing to say about her, honestly.'

Louis said last night: 'I shouldn't have called Misha a bully and I apologise for that.'

19-year-old Misha has defended herself against the judges' offensive comments, saying Tulisa's interjection 'hurt my feelings.'

While she insisted she had not bullied anyone on the show, she did allude to the fact that there may have been issues in the past. Misha said: 'I've made mistakes but I'm a different person now.'


The contestant, whose mentor Kelly Rowland insisted was actually very 'humble', told The Daily Mirror that she never targeted anyone on the show.

Humbled: Misha has admitted that things have become heated backstage, but says that she has learned from the experience

'Saturday's experience will make me stronger. I really looked up to Tulisa and the way she has gone on about girl power, but I feel the situation could have been dealt with a lot better.

'Being called an X Factor bully on national TV was not fair. I know I am not a bad person. Tulisa hurt my feelings because there are always two sides to every story.'

'I'm here for the music Things do get heated backstage, but I'm going to take on board what they've said and take it in my stride,' the singer continued.

Inappropriate: On the live Saturday show 59-year-old Louis said 'one of my contestants has complained to me that Misha has been bullying her'

The girls' statements are entirely at odds with some made by X Factor sources, who have claimed that things were indeed as nasty between the pair as it appeared when the controversy kicked off on Saturday night.

According to the Sun, Louis was referring to ex-contestant Sami Brookes when he said 'One of my contestants has complained to me that Misha has been bullying her.'

Embarrassingly, it was then Sami who was eliminated by the judges vote when she and Kitty Brucknell came bottom two in the public vote.

Reports that Misha had sustained a prolonged campaign of jibes against 31-year-old Sami, allegedly reached its climax on a group outing to the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday.

Kicked off: The entire controversy started when Tulisa said that she had heard reports of Misha making mean comments to other contestants backstage

Misha apparently indicated that Sami wasn't one of the X Factor 'top four', before ensuring that she was eclipsing Sami from the view of the photographers snapping the contestants as they partied.

'Misha muscled herself into the limelight' a source said.

The next day emotions overflowed as Sami reportedly broke down in tears, in a scene which later prompted Louis to attempt to reprimand Misha during the live show.

Tulisa was the first to raise the issue during the show, claiming that the show's diva had been making 'mean comments' backstage towards some of her fellow contestants.

Ineffective: Despite Louis' outburst, his contestantsSami and Kitty were in the bottom two last night, with Sami eliminated by the judges vote

Misha's mentor Kelly Rowland was furious with Tulisa and Louis for their remarks- but the bulk of her fury was directed at Tulisa for kicking off the live row.

'Kelly came off the set with steam pouring out of her ears,' a witness claimed.

'She demanded to speak to producers and screamed "How did you let her get away with something like that!"

Outrage: Kelly Rowland was furious that Tulisa and Louis had raised the issue of bullying in public

'She said she felt like she had been stitched up as they could have tackled any issues with Misha off air and not air their dirty laundry in front of millions of viewers.'

She was trembling with rage. Poor old Misha was in tears after the onslaught from Louis and Tulisa,' the witness added.

Another source said: 'Tulisa was just trying to be controversial, but it massively backfired.'

Not vulnerable: Sami has insisted that the idea Misha could possibly harm her is 'laughable and ridiculous'

Kelly has apparently told friends that she refuses to speak to Tulisa, telling friends: 'it's war. Who the hell does she think she is?'

An insider claims that Kelly vented her rage towards Louis for over an hour in his dressing room, which led to his about turn last night.

An insider has also claimed that Kitty was in the line of fire for several other spiteful comments from Misha.

To add to the milieu of bad feeling, Gary Barlow and Louis are said have engaged in a furious row off camera, with Louis accusing Gary of 'slating his acts to show off.'

Kiss goodbye! Sami embraced Kitty with a passionate farewell after she was eliminated last night

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052797/X-Factor-2011-bullying-row-Louis-Walsh-apologises-Misha-B-Sami-Brookes.html#ixzz1bksrB1U4

Kitty Bucknell triumphs as Sami Brookes becomes the third X Factor casualty

Clinging onto the Edge Of Glory: Kitty Bucknell triumphs as Sami Brookes becomes the third X Factor casualty

By Nadia Mendoza

Last updated at 10:26 PM on 23rd October 2011



Louis Walsh was faced with sending one of his own acts home tonight as Kitty Brucknell and Sami Brookes fought for survival in the bottom two.

The X Factor stars battled each other, with Brucknell's rendition of Lady Gaga's The Edge Of Glory triumphing over Brookes' version of Aretha Franklin hit A Natural Woman.

Walsh's decision proved unpopular with the studio audience, as he was greeted with boos.

Facing the music: Kitty Brucknell triumphed over Sami Brookes and will remain in the competition until next week

Gary Barlow said both acts were 'unbelievable' and credited Sami for her vocals, although it was obvious who he was going to save having previously called her 'karaoke' and 'a cruise ship singer'.

The Take That star said: 'Sami, your voice is undeniable but I've always found you a little bit dated.'


Kelly also saved Kitty, 26, adding: 'This is really hard. Sami, I absolutely adore you and Kitty I think you're a wonderful entertainer, but I'm sending home Sami.'

Singing for survival: Kitty blew the judges away, getting three votes from Gary, Kelly and Louis

Can she win over the public? Kitty is one of the best entertainers, but does she have the personality to match

Tulisa spiced up the vote by opting to send Kitty home, saying: 'I've got to vote with my heart and the person I most connect with, so the act I'm sending home is Kitty.'

This meant that if Louis had chosen to save Sami, Dermot O'Leary would've had to go to deadlock, where the phone-in figures are the deciding factor as the contestants have two votes each.

Disappointed: Louis Walsh looked devastated to send home one of his own acts, or was it just pantomime

Walsh said: 'I love both girls, but Kitty, you're not connecting with the public for some reason. Sami, you were incredible, you sang your heart out. Do I go with my head? Do I go with my heart?

'I'm going to go with my heart and the person I'm going to have to send home is Sami.'

The 31-year-old had the last word, saying: 'I may not be able to sell a million albums, but I am going to sing for the rest of my life.'

Just two remaining: Louis will have to work hard to keep Johnny and Kitty in the competition after Gary accused him of turning his acts into 'jokes'

At the beginning of the show, the opening group ensemble was notably missing, immediately sparking speculation on Twitter that contestants can't stand being in the same room long enough to practice.

In reality, it was most likely due to the fact there were three star guests, including American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson, Professor Green featuring Emeli Sandi and Bruno Mars.

Louis also apologised for last night's antics, when he accused Misha B of bullying contestants.

Delighted: Johnny Robinson and Misha B are elated to be through to next week after the public saved them

He swallowed a large dose of humble pie, telling host Dermot: 'We're all so involved in our own acts, but I got a bit carried away.

'I know I shouldn't have used the b-word and I apologise for that. It was the heat of the moment.'

Following his lead, Tulisa also backtracked from her accusations, having previously said Misha's backstage attitude was turning sour.

In what appeared to be rather scripted, she told Dermot that 'Misha stole the show', but her face told a different story.

Golden boy: Craig Colton won the public over again and seems to be proving as the one to beat

Marcus Collins was announced as the first act returning next week, saving his nerves from turning to shreds again after he was the final artist to be called last Sunday.

Despite the dramas last night, Misha B was the second act to be saved, with Johnny Robinson, Rhythmix, Janet Devlin and Craig Colton jumping for joy as Dermot called their name.

Coming out of her shell: Sophie Habibis has succeeded in avoiding tabloid headlines, winning the vote on her voice alone

Sophie Habibis was greeted with a huge cheer from the audience as she was sent through, while Frankie Cocozza received a chorus of boos.

The cocky 18-year-old will no doubt be reprimanded by mentor Barlow for swearing before the watershed on the family show, shouting 'f***ing have it' as his name was called.

The Risk were saved until last before Sami and Kitty were revealed as the bottom two.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2052508/X-Factor-2011-Kitty-Bucknell-triumphs-Sami-Brookes-casualty.html#ixzz1be9dtXKA

X Factor Update 20.10.11 Sophie Habibis catches up on some sleep after another gruelling rehearsal

Feeling the strain? X Factor's Sophie Habibis catches up on some sleep after another gruelling rehearsal

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 8:30 AM on 20th October 2011


She complained on The X Factor last week that she isn't as well known as the rest of her female competitors.

But it seems Sophie Habibis' quest to make herself more famous is leaving the 19-year-old London barmaid exhausted.

Sophie, who said she is determined to find fame through her voice rather than her antics off stage, was spotted catching up on some sleep in the garden of The X Factor house today after yet another gruelling rehearsal ahead of this weekend's live shows.

Feeling the strain? Sophie Habibis looked exhausted as she arrived back at the X Factor house in Hertfordshire this afternoon after another gruelling rehearsal

Catching up on some Zzzzs: Sophie had a quick power nap in the garden after a tough day of practising

Wearing a flowered vest top, pink jacket and grey jogging bottoms, Sophie looked exhausted as she sat down outside, clutching her iPod and a notebook ready to make notes on what she needs to do to get herself stage-ready for this weekend.

Sophie has received mixed reviews from the judges after her performances, and was told by judge Gary Barlow on Sunday night she was missing a spark.

So the pretty brunette teenager is clearly pushing herself as hard as she can to make sure she pulls it out of the bag during this weekend's live shows, reported to have a Rock theme.

That's better: Earlier in the day, Sophie had appeared in good spirits, as had Sami Brookes, who waved at the cameras

Talking about being part of the X Factor last weekend, Sophie said: 'It's amazing. What can I say, thousands of people would want to be where I am and I’m lucky enough to be here and sharing it with some really, really nice people, so I’m blessed right now.'

Referring to her performance of The Calling's Wherever You May Go, Sophie said: 'I was nervous but I enjoyed it a lot.

'I’m just going to be myself and if people don’t think I have a spark they can think that, but hopefully they keep me in.'

'Lots of work to be done': Craig Colton, who today came out as gay, said he has a long way to go before he is ready for this weekend's live shows

Nerves aplenty: Frankie Cocozza and Johnny Robinson both looked nervous as they were seen outside the house

Moral support: The boys' judge Gary Barlow was seen arriving at the house this afternoon

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2051046/X-Factor-2011-Sophie-Habibis-catches-sleep-gruelling-rehearsal.html#ixzz1bJE7D1BT

X Factor Update 19.10.11 Sexy judge Tulisa shows off her slim legs at X Factor house

Bonjour Tulisa! Sexy judge shows off her slim legs in French maid-style dress at X Factor house

By Alanah Eriksen

Last updated at 10:05 AM on 19th October 2011




She's the only X Factor judge so far to have had two acts knocked out.

So perhaps Tulisa Contostavlos was attempting to turn all attention to her and her protegees today.

The 23-year-old would have certainly caught a few eyes in this extremely short and fitting black dress as she entered the contestants house this morning.

Looking leggy: X Factor judge Tulisa Contostavlos arriving at the contestants' house today, wearing a tiny French maid-style dress

It was reminiscent of a sexy French maid's outfit with a white collar and cuffs.

And to complete the Parisian look, her hair was swept off her face and styled into a plaited bun.

Always on form: The youngest of the four judges is dedicated to her protegees, groups The Risk and Rhythmix

Fighting for their lives: Tulisa only has two acts left, compared with her fellow judges, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow, who all have three

Except her towering black heels made her look a little more superstar as she navigated the concrete steps into the luxury Hertfordshire pad.
She waved happily at fans surrounding the house before meeting her two remaining groups, boy band The Risk and girl band, Rhythmix.
She carried an iPod, perhaps with a selection of songs she hopes the groups will perform for Saturday night's live show.

Bringing some tunes for the girls and boys? Tulisa carried an iPod into the house in Hertfordshire

Cheerio: Tulisa also looked in good spirits as she left the X Factor house and headed home

The youngest of the four judges was seen bawling her eyes out on Sunday night's elimination show after Nu Vibe were kicked off in favour of Gary Barlow's act, Frankie Cocozza, 18.

Fellow judges Louis Walsh's over 25 acts were also safe along with Kelly Rowland's girls.

Tulisa had already said goodbye to Essex duo 2 Shoes last weekend in the first elimination show after it was revealed there would be no public vote.

Play time: Rhythmix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock took a break from rehearsing with her mentor Tulisa to take a cute dog for a walk on the house grounds

Puppy love: The cute pup nipped at Leigh-Anne's legs as she ran around with him on the grass

My turn! The Risk member Derry Mensah takes a dog for a walk while sucking a dummy sweet

Judges were tasked with kicking off one of their own four acts - the first time in the history of the show.

Since X Factor began in 2004, no group has won. So Tulisa will have to work extra hard to convince the British public to vote for her acts.

She that's obviously what she has been doing, as she tweeted yesterday: 'Me + lack of sleep = lock me in a padded room until I've slept...and I'm not lol'in.'

Johnny Robinson also appeared to be experiencing some puppy love while Sophie Habibis and Andrew Merry, from boyband The Risk, popped out for some fresh air

In fits of laughter: Sophie and The Risk member Charlie Healy find something hilarious as they take a break

Meanwhile, some if the contestants took a break from the gruelling rehersals today as they popped out of the house for some fresh air.
Rhythmix member Leigh-Anne Pinnock played happily with an adorable puppy on the house grounds.
Camp over 25 member Johnny Robinson also experienced a bit of puppy love, cuddling another dog on the doorstep, before The Risk member Derry Mensah - who bizarrely sucked on a sweet shaped like a dummy - had a turn with him.
Sami Brooks, who has wowed the judges with her big voice, also showed off her big personality as she hammed it up for the cameras on the balcony of the house.
And Sophie Habibis and The Risk member Charlie Healy appeared to find something hilarious as they collapsed in fits of laughter.

Big personality: Sami Brooks hammed it up for the cameras on the balcony of the house

We love it here mum! Other members of The Rhythmix play on their phones during breaks

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2050539/Tulisa-Contostavlos-shows-slim-legs-French-maid-style-dress-X-Factor-house.html#ixzz1bDjHwOKb