'X Factor' faces favouritism claims over Hope

X Factor contestants believe that girl group Hope are receiving special treatment from producers, according to a report.

The remaining finalists are unhappy that Hope have been given extra rehearsal time with choreographer Brian Friedman and the show's vocal coach.

An insider told the Daily Star Sunday: "It seemed as if their mentor Simon Cowell was pulling strings to try and keep them in.

"It could be that - because there are five of them - they need the extra rehearsal time. But the general feeling is that each act should be treated the same, regardless of the number of members. The 'favouritism' certainly ruffled a few feathers with the other contestants."

Hope were in the bottom two for the third time last night. However, Beverley Trotman was voted off when the judges' vote went to deadlock and producers reverted back to the viewer votes.

The source said: "Beverley has impressed everyone but it was still Hope who stayed. Questions will be asked. It was the opportunity to get rid of them once and for all."