It has been alleged that former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne advised one of her proteges to "stage a walkout" during series three of the hit show, in a bid to win viewers' votes.
Singer Ben Mills, who finished in third in the 2006, told The Times that Sharon had encouraged him to perform the histrionics to improve his chances in the competition.
Mills also claimed that Osbourne shunned him when he refused to go along with her plan.
Mills said: "It was completely surreal. Sharon wanted me to stage a walkout one week to generate a huge tabloid story and get me votes.
"When I refused, she didn't speak to me again."
Ben also said that he has "never forgiven" Ray Quinn for crying during the semi-final of the talent show and that Simon Cowell also put-on a different persona in front on the camera.
He explained: "Simon always pre-warned me if he was going to spice up the show a bit by slagging me off, but I've never forgiven Ray for crying during the semi.
"I offered him 50 quid not to, but he'd made up his mind. You could almost hear the old ladies at home reaching for their phones."
STV.tv
