Cowell 'consulted show boss over vote'

Simon Cowell consulted The X Factor's executive producer Richard Holloway before making his controversial decision to vote against Lucie Jones, a report has claimed.

According to The Sun, Cowell and Holloway were seen "in deep discussions" during an advert break following the announcement that Jones would compete against twins John & Edward in last night's sing-off.

A source said: "[Cowell and Holloway] seemed to be discussing what to do. Should they get rid of Lucie, who can obviously sing really well, or finally get rid of the twins?"

Jones was later eliminated after Cowell took the judges' verdict to deadlock for the second week running. John & Edward were saved because they had polled higher than their rival in the earlier viewer vote.

The insider added: "The producers always claim that Simon doesn't know how the voting goes before he makes his decision. But after the intense conversation with Simon, Holloway was seen whispering in the ears of judges Dannii [Minogue], Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh."

Cowell insisted that he had been surprised by the outcome while speaking on The Xtra Factor last night. He also claimed that Jones's axing was not his fault.