Olivia Olson was left in tears in the fallout from the first X Factor: Celebrity live show.
Saturday evening (October 26) saw the opening live episode of the new series.
The X Factor’s Celebrity spin-off welcomes familiar faces from the worlds of music, film, sport, television and social media as they compete to win a life-changing recording contract.
13 acts performed live tonight before two were eliminated in the first Celebrity X Factor results.
It was Chat show host Ricki Lake and American actress Olivia Olson who left The Celebrity X Factor in a double elimination.
They had been in the bottom three alongside TV journalist Martin Bashir, who was saved by both Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger. Louis Walsh had voted to save Olivia.
Delivering his casting vote, Simon said: “I think you’re both in this situation because of song choices. Being impartial, I’m making this decision on who I believe the public would like to see through to next week.
“Based on that reason the person I’m sending home is, unfortunately, Olivia.”
Olivia was visibly upset by the result during the show and has now admitted the outcome came as a “shock”.
Taking to social media today (Sunday, October 27), Olivia told her fans: “I’ll keep smiling ☺️ I knew going into @thexfactor anything could happen & the level of talent was so high this year! I’m grateful for the opportunity as it has completely pushed me out of my comfort zone, reminding myself I love to be up on that stage.
“That being said, yes my elimination came as a shock. I was confused why Simon would tell me I could win this competition and then ultimately send me home. It was a punch in the gut.
“People have emotions and mine got the best of me…because I REALLY wanted this. I’m proud of my performance last night and that’s what matters to me. Good luck to all my new friends I’ve made a long the way. OO out! ?
Viewers at home weren’t too happy with the result either, quick to express their anger online.
One viewer complained: “Simon Cowell what a disgrace, saving Martin over Olivia. He used to be fair and straight to the point. Doing it for ratings is going to backfire on him #XFactorCelebrity”
Another shared: “I was crying with Olivia. She was so genuine and heartbroken I felt really sorry for her. Most brutal elimination I’ve ever seen. I liked Martin but Olivia was better, Simon made a bad choice #XFactorCelebrity”
“I’m sorry how the hell did Martin beat Olivia? It’s a singing competition not who is the most ‘liked’!#XFactorCelebrity,” added a third.
Earlier in the episode, each of the judges had been given a safe seat to send one of their acts straight through to next weekend’s show.
In the Groups, Simon saved rugby Trio Try Star (Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis), in the Unders, Louis saved Jonny Labey and in the Overs, Nicole saved Jenny Ryan.
Together with Martin, they’re joined in the competition by EastEnders actor Jonny Labey, Glee star Kevin McHale, reality TV personality Megan McKenna, Coronation Street actress Victoria Ekanoye, footballer turned actor Vinnie Jones, The Chase’s Jenny Ryan, Love Island supergroup No Love Lost, social media influencers V5 and duo Max & Harvey.
The X Factor: Celebrity series continues Saturday nights on ITV.
The next round of live performances airs next weekend on November 2 from 8:30PM.
More on: The X Factor
