Some disgruntled X Factor bootcampers have complained about their treatment during their final auditions for the show, some even claiming that the producers mentally tortured them.

The Daily Star reports that around 20 auditionees were told that they were through to the final 50, only to be told later that there had been some mistake and were then sent home..

One contestant told the newspaper: “X Factor was ruthless with us.”

Amy Connelly, who has made it through to the final 24 said: “The whole experience was so stressful.

“The pressure is almost unbearable.

“Some people found it really hard to cope and I spent time comforting other contestants.”

She added: “They dropped a massive bombshell one day.

“Producers got us all together to say they’d put too many people through by mistake.

“So one group was told to go home.

“It was like torture.”