'X Factor' contestant axed over health fears

TV bosses axed contestant Shirlena Johnson from 'The X Factor' tonight over fears about her health.

The wannabe singer caused a stir during her first appearance on the hit ITV1 talent show on Saturday evening with an eccentric routine.

And show chiefs have now decided that she should not continue in the series, in the interests of her welfare.

Just yesterday she was given the chop from this year’s Miss Great Britain contest – which she had also entered – after organisers discovered her real age when they watched her TV audition.

Johnson told organisers she was 28, but on 'The X Factor' she said she was 30 – over the cut-off point of 29.

More than 12 million viewers saw Johnson, a single mother, get through to the boot camp stage of 'The X Factor' on Saturday night.

She performed, in leopard skin leggings, a bizarre rendition of the Duffy track 'Mercy'.

But today programme bosses acted to stop her continuing after fears about her mental health were raised.

A spokesman for 'The X Factor' said: “The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance, and for this reason, it has been agreed that Shirlena Johnson should not continue in the competition.”

It is understood Shirlena was given the news in person by programme executives this afternoon with a psychologist to hand.

The programme’s medical experts consulted the hopeful’s own doctor before a decision was made.

Contestants are asked to declare health issues during the audition process but it is thought no issues were brought to the attention of show staff.

Programme-makers provide psychologists to provide expert opinion if any of the contestants raise issues or concerns while taking part in the programmes.

Contestants are expected to provide a report from their GP before they reach the “Judges’ Houses” stage of the competition, because of the extra stresses which result from getting further through the process.

It is understood her report came in late and was received only this week, and show chiefs acted immediately when they learned of issues concerning her welfare.

After her audition, judge Simon Cowell told her: "I have to say I love you - you're completely crazy, but I like that.

“You are fantastically nuts.”