Thursday, 11 September 2008

SEE VIDEO The X Factor bosses deny fix allegations

Judge Cheryl Cole isn't friends with contestant Austin Drage

The emotional rollercoaster of being judge is taking its toll

Cheryl Cole joined the panel for the first time this series

The X Factor producers have rubbished reports that a contestant had an unfair advantage because he was a friend of judge Cheryl Cole.

It's been claimed that the 25-year-old Girls Aloud singer knew Austin Drage because his band 5Boyz supported them 4 years ago.

Viewers saw the 21-year-old get through to bootcamp after giving a rendition of Boyz II Men classic End Of The Road.

‘Austin was in boyband 5Boyz, which we have always been aware of (and has been widely reported), but despite Girls Aloud once appearing on the same billing at a show one night, Cheryl has never met nor had a friendship with Austin,’ says a statement from the TV show.

‘Austin has entered the competition and had to face and receive three yes votes from the Judges just like any other contestant. He has at no point had an advantage over other contestants in the show.’