'X Factor' boot camp "like a prison"

A 79-year-old X Factor hopeful has claimed that taking part in the show's boot camp stage was a frightening experience.

Joy Philippou, who was put through after impressing the judges by playing 'invisible instruments', has explained that she felt like a prisoner during her stay at Heythrop Park Hotel in Oxen.

"When we arrived we had to stand outside while it got cold," Joy told the Daily Star Sunday. "We were without any of our belongings or anything to eat or drink. After breakfast we were herded into the garden and stood in lines waiting for Simon Cowell to appear on the balcony. We waited for three-and-a-half hours with the sun beating down before he appeared.

"It we got out of line, prefects told us to get back in our positions. It was really scary. I wanted to go home but there was not a bus in sight, no shops and no way of escape. I asked if it was supposed to feel like a prison camp."

An X Factor spokeswoman insisted: "We do everything in our power to make the whole experience enjoyable and comfortable for those taking part. But at the same time, contestants do have to adhere to certain filming schedules and production guidelines."