Chico prepares to quit 'X Factor'?

Chico Slimani is preparing to quit The X Factor after breaking down in tears in the run-up to tonight's live show.

According to the Daily Star, the former stripper has been spending time alone all week following reports that his mentor Sharon Osbourne plans to "bin" him this weekend.

"Sharon's comments were devastating for Chico and made him seriously consider if he wants to carry on," a show source told the newspaper. "She called him up the next day to explain that her words were taken out of context, but it has taken a lot to stop him from walking away.

"He has also been struggling with a sore throat which has been getting him down. He needs a lot of help from his female fans voting for him, if he is going to stay in. If he is in the bottom two again he may even walk off before he gets the bad news.

"Chico is struggling to cope with the pressure and could crack again so he really needs people to get behind him."