The mother of X Factor finalist, Leon Jackson, has hit out at Simon Cowell this weekend for his criticism of Leon’s first live XF performance last week.

“I was so proud and thought he was great. But I was really unhappy with Simon’s comments that Leon didn’t deserve his place in the final 12,” Wendy told the Daily Star Sunday.

“Maybe it’s because he’s one of the favourites to win the competition and he’s trying to get rid of the strong ones that aren’t in his own category.”

When asked what she would say to Cowell if she met him Wendy joked: “I wouldn’t say anything. I’d just punch him in the face.”