X Factor: Celebritys Ricki Lake says Simon Cowell was wrong to send home Olivia Olson

CHAT show queen Ricki Lake was gutted to be the first contestant voted off The X Factor: Celebrity on Saturday night but felt more sorry for her fellow US hopeful Olivia Olson.

The Love Actually actress was sent home by Simon Cowell who chose to stick with novelty act Martin Bashir, despite the fact Olivia was a more talented performer.

Ricki Lake was the first contestant to be voted off The X Factor: Celebrity

Olivia Olson broke down on stage after finding out she would also be going home

In an exclusive chat just hours after the show finished, Ricki said: Controversy makes good TV. But its unfortunate that Olivia became the scapegoat, as she is so sweet.

She should not have gone home. She is stunning, she has star quality and her voice is so strong. I feel sad for her, because she really wanted this.

Olivia admitted she, too, was surprised after Simon overlooked her in favour of Martin, who performed Danke Schoen, a song from movie Ferris Buellers Day Off.

Olivia, who broke down on stage after hearing the result, wrote on Instagram today: 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.

Olivia said she was ‘confused’ why Simon would decide to send her home

And Ricki couldnt help but agree.

She said: I was very sad for Olivia. We are at different stages in our careers but this was her dream. I dont want to say Martin should have gone home as he does have a very special quality to him.

He may not be the best voice but he is a star and he is shining up there.

But I get it, its a TV show that has to appeal to an audience in the UK. And Martin is so loved.

Simon chose to save novelty act Martin Bashir

Despite the controversy with Olivia, Ricki said she enjoyed every second of her time on the newly revamped series and has predicted big things for the remaining stars.

When asked who could go on to win a recording contract with Simons label Syco, Ricki said: Its my gut feeling that loads of these people will end up working with Simon and Syco the writing is on the wall.

Megan McKenna is an amazing singer-songwriter, Victoria Ekanoye is an incredible talent and Max and Harvey, of course.

Whether they win or not, they will get signed.

Nicole’s in a twist due to rugby hunks

NICOLE Scherzinger needed a cold shower and a lie down after getting all excited watching rugby hunks Try Star on The X Factor: Celebrity.

Instead, she opted for a night out in Londons Mayfair, still wearing the silver sequin ball gown with a matching cape she wore on the show on Saturday.

Nicole Scherzinger wore her silver sequin ball gown for a night out in Mayfair following Saturday night’s The X Factor: Celebrity

The judge was left feeling ‘hot under the collar’ after Try Star’s Magic-Mike-style routine

The former Pussycat Doll said the trio Ben Foden, Thom Evans and Levi Davis left her hot under the collar with their Magic Mike-style routine.

And she virtually forced Simon Cowell into sending them through to the next round.

If only she knew what rugby players do to each others pints…

Tony: I’d be Dom

TONY Robinson wants to play the PMs chief adviser in a Blackadder Brexit special.

The Baldrick actor thinks todays political scene would be funnier than other eras.

Tony Robinson wants to play Dominic Cummings in a Blackadder Brexit special

Tony, in ITV2 comedy Plebs tomorrow at 10pm, said: Maybe the best idea is we wait a decade to do Brexit Blackadder.

“If we do, Im playing Dominic Cummings.

But he reckons the casting of the classic sitcom might raise an eyebrow today and a new version may need a more diverse range of actors.

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