'X Factor' star facing new drug claims

X Factor star Rachel Hylton is to be quizzed by producers following claims that she took drugs at the Boot Camp stage, according to a report.

The People newspaper reports that Hylton, 26, is facing allegations that she smoked cannabis while she stayed at a London hotel with other contestants.

The aspiring singer told Simon Cowell and his fellow judges that she had once fought to overcome a drug addiction in her first audition.

"This is the last thing Simon or the other judges will be expecting to hear," an insider told the newspaper. "In August, when Rachel admitted her horrific teen life of drug addiction, crime and under-age sex, she said that it was all in the past and that she had turned over a new leaf.

"Simon thought she deserved a second chance and told everyone 'If someone says they've done things they regret, you have to give them a second chance'. But if these claims are founded, who knows what he'll think or what will happen. She may even be forced off the show."

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "Producers are unaware of the drug allegations but will speak to Rachel about them this week."

Hylton has also been accused of reducing Spanish hopeful Ruth Lorenzo to tears following rows over smoking and noise when they shared a room together.

The source added: "[Rachel] was smoking constantly, chatting loudly on her phone all the time and had the TV blaring while Ruth was desperately trying to practice her vocals."

The X Factor continues at 6.10pm tonight on ITV1.