All of the judges, including a sick Kelly Rowland phoning in frm her sickbed in Los Angeles, agreed that the controversial Misha had more potential as a recording artist.

Misha B has been in the headlines in the past week following judge Tulisa’s accusations of backstage bullying, a revelation that may have dented her poularity.

Misha also angered the judge by sending text messages to her boyfriend, N-Dubz bandmate Fazer.

But whatever animosity Tulisa had towards the ever-improving Misha, she cast it aside to make a professional choice in sending Sophie home.

Sophie, a former barmaid from London, was obviously gutted not be be continuing in the singing contest, but vowed her career would not end on the X Factor stage.

“I’m going to continue working hard and prove why I shouldn’t have left this competition tonight,” she said.
The night featured the newly single Nicole Sherzinger, who sung her new single Try With Me.

She was far more professional than last year’s X Factor finalist Cher Lloyd, who also appeared nervous while singing her latest track With Ur Love, dressed in an over-sized bow tie and multi-coloured tutu.

Meanwhile, X Factor fans were taking to Twitter to vent their irritation at stand-in judge Alexandra Bourke.

@midasmusic was not afraid to let people know how he felt at the one-time X Factor performer.

“Alexandra Burke has to be one of the most irritating people in the UK. So incredibly false,’ he tweeted.

@themindofian was another unhappy viewer: “With Cher Lloyd and Alexandra Burke in the room, wouldn’t it be a shame if there was a terrible explosion in the #xfactor studio…

@CelebJuice had their phone ready to spend a coupe of quid to cast their vote: “Quick question Dermot. What is the number to vote Alexandra Burke off?”

And even @_vickypollard_ chimed in with this offensive little gem: “bit inappropriate that EVERYBODY IS BEAUTIFUL is trending on the same night that Alexandra Burke was on X factor looking like Didier Drogba.”

Later, on the Xtra Factor, it was Frankie Cocozza’s turn to generate a little controversy.

Asked by hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs what had happened with Geordie Shore’s Holly Hagan, Frankie bluntly replied: ‘I met her… I banged her’.

The cheeky 18-year-old immediately put his hand to his mouth and said: “Sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
 
He later tweeted: “So sorry for my comment on xtra factor I really am, it just slipped out. Enjoyed every moment up on that stage #happybunny.”

He then added: “Seriously sorry again.. I’m sorry for being honest and being myself.”