Nikki's luck runs out on 'X Factor'

Nikki Sanderson was booted from The X Factor: Battle of the Stars following a controversial decision by Louis last night.

The public vote left the actress, who had performed Whitney Houston's 'Run To You' and Mary Mary's 'Shackles', in the final two against The Chefs. Nikki's vocals had been criticised by Simon as "flat", predicting that she "might have a problem tonight".

Meanwhile, the Chefs' versions of The Beatles' 'Get Back' and 'That's Amore' by Dean Martin were more kindly received, with Sharon dubbing them "little rock gods".

However, Sharon was shocked by Louis' decision to save the group on the basis of entertainment value rather than vocal ability.