X Factor issues a Laura statement
14 Nov 08
Media regulator Ofcom is to investigate complaints about singer Laura White’s unexpected departure from X Factor at the weekend. Over 50,000 people have signed a petition, to support complaints that the ITV show’s phone vote was fixed.
Laura’s fans claim they had problems getting through to vote for the singer The Guardian reports. She received the lowest votes despite being tipped to win the talent contest. Following a sing – off with Spanish singer Ruth Lorenzo she was chosen by the judging panel to leave the show.
The petition handed in to Ofcom states: "Many thousands of viewers are convinced that either their call was blocked or their vote misappropriated."
ITV issued a statement today in response saying: "There were absolutely no issues with the phone lines or the voting system which is subject to rigorous procedures and protocols. Our viewers vote for the act they want to keep in the competition and last Saturday, Laura White and Ruth Lorenzo received the least number of votes."
Following rumours that White may return to the show, the statement added: "There are no plans to bring Laura back to The X Factor."
