X Factor contestants are said to be fuming with the shows bosses, as they believe that girl group Hope is getting preferential treatment.

An insider told the Daily Star Sunday: “It seemed as if their mentor Simon Cowell was pulling strings to try and keep them in.

“It could be that – because there are five of them – they need the extra rehearsal time. But the general feeling is that each act should be treated the same, regardless of the number of members. The ‘favouritism’ certainly ruffled a few feathers with the other contestants.”

About the show’s result last night the source said: “Beverley has impressed everyone but it was still Hope who stayed. Questions will be asked. It was the opportunity to get rid of them once and for all.”