-Police investigating death threats against Katie Waissel
Head to head: Contestant Matt Cardle says judge Simon Cowell backed controversial Katie Waissel over Aiden Grimshaw because she is better for the show's ratings
X Factor favourite Matt Cardle has accused Simon Cowell of treating talented finalists as ‘expendable’ in an attempt to keep viewing figures high.
The aspiring singer claimed Cowell saved controversial Katie Waissel over early favourite Aiden Grimshaw because she is ‘better for the show’, not because she is a better performer.
Aiden, from Blackpool, left the competition on Sunday night after ending up alongside Katie in the bottom two.
When the judges were given the chance to save their preferred contestant, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh nominated Aiden, while Cheryl Cole and Cowell opted for Katie.
The tie meant the decision went to ‘deadlock’, where the public vote decides the contestants’ fate. Aiden had polled the lowest number and left the competition – to gasps of surprise from the audience.
But if Cowell had chosen to save him, Katie – who was in the bottom two for the fourth time – would have been sent home instead.
Matt, 27, said: ‘In terms of the television show, Aiden was expendable. I was shocked when Simon sent him home, but then Katie is better for the show than Aiden is.
‘She gets the coverage – she gets the show attention. He just isn’t like that but he is a much better singer.
Rejected: Aiden Grimshaw pictured last night checking into a London hotel after being eliminated from the show
Is that who is voting? Wagner and Katie were surrounded by fans as they left the studio last night
'It is like losing a brother. When it went to Katie and Aiden in the bottom two, I didn't think he would go. Even when it went to deadlock, I thought he would stay.'
Aiden, 18, said: ‘It is an entertainment show – but I can’t see where the entertainment is coming from [with Katie] as she is not doing that well.
'I think it should be more about singing from now on.’
But while Katie is undoubtedly receiving the most attention from viewers, it is mostly negative. In fact, some of the messages posted on social networking sites are so filled with hatred that X Factor bosses are concerned for the 24-year-old's well being
Hard days work: Paije looked tired as he accepted gifts from fans, while Cher looked downcast in the car
Brave face: Katie was all smiles despite chilling internet messages being posted on Twitter and Facebook being investigated by police
Police have called in to investigate death threats against the singer posted on internet sites like Twitter and Facebook.
With the social networking forums a place for viewers to air their emotions and opinions during the show, several sinister messages went online moments after the results were revealed on Sunday night.
Chilling messages on Twitter included: 'Who's coming on a murder hunt with me? Target Katie Waissel.'
Another user added: 'Katie DIE DIE!'
Dinner time: Paije, Cher and Matt stocked up on groceries during a late night food shop
'Katie deserves to die right at this minute,' wrote another.
As of today there are more than 40 Facebook groups which hundreds of thousands of members have joined, that either ridicule Miss Waissel or campaign for her to be booted from the competition, with only a handful springing up in support of the singer.
X Factor bosses say they have contacted police over the cyber bullying, which has left the contestant 'disgusted and freaked out.'
'These threats are disgusting and outrageous,' a spokesperson told the Sun.
Heroes: The X Factor finalists have recorded a cover of the David Bowie classic in aid of Help for Heroes
'This is cyber bullying and we will not put up with it. We are doing what we can to stop it and are contacting police.'
Producers have called in extra, round-the-clock protection for Miss Waissel, who put on a brave face last night despite concerns for her welfare.
The singer was surrounded by fans as she left the studio and looked overcome with emotion as one fans gripped her in a supportive hug.
And as the competition heats up, it is not only the contestants who are having a hard time. After weeks of entertaining squabbling live on air, the judges appear to be turning on each other for real off camera.
Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh were pictured having an intense discussion as they left the X Factor studios following Sunday night’s show.
Bromance: Frontrunner Matt Cardle is defending his friend Aiden after he was booted from the show
Professional: Katie is getting on with her X Factor duties in the face of sinister internet threats, but looked grateful for fan support last night
Walsh was seen raising his arms in the air and shaking his head in exasperation at the Girls Aloud star, before she was driven away frowning.
Earlier, the pair had a public disagreement after Walsh criticised the song Cole had selected for Katie Waissel and described her performance as ‘throwaway’.
An onlooker told MailOnline: 'They were talking for several minutes and it looked quite heated.
'After a while Cheryl was driven off, sat in the back of her car, and she didn't look very happy at all.'
But Katie, who is mentored by Cheryl, didn't escape lightly this week, with Louis criticising her song choice - Elton John's Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting).
Choice words: Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh pictured last night outside the X Factor studios in north-west London, sharing a tense discussion
Showdown: Louis stands back and raises his hands defensively as an angry-looking Cheryl looks on before being driven off, not looking best impressed
Louis blasted Cheryl for giving the track to Katie on Saturday's show, telling her: 'Cheryl, Elton has 44 albums and you give her this silly song. It was a throwaway performance. It was awful. It was wrong.'
Cheryl tried to interject and ask him repeatedly: 'What song would you have given her?'
Simon Cowell then intervened and threatened to have Louis removed from the building, seething that his chat was 'utter rubbish'.
Earlier Louis infuriated Dannii Minogue, who held her hand in his face mockingly after he rubbished her act Paije Richardson's performance of Crocodile Rock, branding it 'bad karaok
Snappy: Louis angered all the judges this weekend, including Cheryl, after he branded her act Katie Waissel's performance of Elton John's Saturday Night's Alright (For Fighting) as 'awful'
source: dailymail
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