X Factor's Fleur East 'guaranteed to win competition as contestants accuse judges of favouritism'
As X Factor contestants prepare for the rapidly approaching final, the show has been hit with accusations of favouritism.
According to the Daily Star, singing hopefuls Andrea Faustini, Lauren Platt and Ben Haenow have complained that they believe Fleur East is guaranteed to walk away this year's winner.
The newspaper reports that trio have grown tired of her mentor Simon Cowell and his fellow judges' unwavering support of the 26-year-old beauty, whose powerful vocals have won glowing critiques.
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Dead cert? Fleur East is at the centre of allegations that this year's X Factor has been set in her favour
A source said: 'It's beginning to look obvious the judges want her to win. It may as well be called the F Factor - it's very unfair. It's been set up perfectly for Fleur to win.'
MailOnline has contacted a representative for The X Factor for comment.
Despite claims, Fleur did have to overcome something of a bump early on in the competition when judge Mel B said she couldn't hear her singing while performing Monie Love's '90s hit It's A Shame.
Competitors: The singing hopeful will this week enter the semi-finals with Lauren Platt, centre, Andrea Faustini, right
Sing in to win it: The London native will also be battling Ben Haenow for the crown
Popular: Fleur's powerhouse performances have consistently won praise from the judges
'That was a great performance, the only thing is on that chorus I didn't hear your voice pop against the backing track so I found that a little bit like cheating,' Mel complained.
'That's not cheating that's being unfair,' Simon cut in and the two went back and forth on the subject until Cheryl Fernandez-Versini interjected.
'Honestly for me you are fast becomig one of my favourites in the competition. you know exactly what you want to be. You smashed it,' she said.
Mentor: Simon Cowell serves as a mentor for Fleur, who is in the over-25s category with Ben Haenow
Jet-setter: Lauren Silverman, Simon's girlfriend and the mother of his baby son Eric, was seen touching down at New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on Friday
'You're turning into an artist ,' Simon said about Fleur.
Meanwhile, The Sun recently claimed that Fleur is in a relationship with French designer Marcel Robin, but has kept things quiet in order to 'proect him'.
Explained a source: 'They have been dating for a while now and it is definitely serious. She is very proud of him, but has been keeping his name a secret in a bid to protect him from the publicity the show has given her.'
Admired: Fleur has also proved to popular with the show's audience, who have voted for her in droves
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2863295/X-Factor-s-Fleur-East-guaranteed-win-competition-contestants-accuse-judges-favouritism.html#ixzz3L9vkTWjf
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