Shamed Emily withdraws from 'X Factor'

Emily Nakanda has withdrawn from The X Factor after being filmed attacking a teenage girl.

The 15-year-old Londoner is seen putting the girl, known only as Anna, in a headlock in the mobile phone video. She then proceeds to swing her by her hair, hit her and push her to the ground.

An X Factor spokeswoman said: "In response to the stories in the papers this week regarding Emily Nakanda, we have conducted our own investigations into the matter and we can confirm that she has chosen to withdraw herself from the competition with immediate effect."

It is not the first time that Nakanda's temperament has been questioned. Earlier this week The Sun uncovered a video clip in which she threatened to gouge out a boy's eyes with a knife.

Louis Friberg, the shamed hopeful's mother, admitted that she had "no choice" but to withdraw her daughter from the competition, saying: "As a family we are heartbroken and are very disappointed with Emily's behaviour.

"Emily and all the family sincerely apologise to Anna, her school and all the fans that have supported Emily. Emily regrets her actions but there is no way, as a family, we can excuse her behaviour. Emily is very sorry to have let the show, Sharon Osbourne and the viewers down."

Nakanda's withdrawal has left Sharon Osbourne's 'Girls 14-24' category with just one remaining contestant, 23-year-old Alisha Bennett. Osbourne admitted that she is "deeply saddened by this whole situation".

An X Factor representative confirmed that Nakanda's withdrawal will not affect voting on tomorrow's show, where one contestant will still be eliminated from the competition.