Ofcom 'Assessing' X Factor Laura White Controversy

Ofcom is “assessing” Laura White's controversial dismissal from last weekend's X Factor, a spokesman for the media watchdog has told Gigwise.

White, 21, became the fifth act to be voted off the reality TV show last Saturday after she failed to secure enough votes from the judges.

But fans of the singer – including Lily Allen, Leona Lewis and parliamentary MPs – have voiced their anger at the decision.

Organisers behind one of many petition have now lodged a formal complaint with the media watchdog.

"There is a body of evidence to suggest that there are major issues concerning telephone voting on the above programme,” the complaint says.

"The main thrust of our complaint is that there is no transparency regarding the total number of votes and how many votes each contestant received.

"In addition many thousands of viewers are convinced that either their call was blocked or their vote misappropriated."

A spokesman for Ofcom told Gigwise: "We have received complaints about the X-Factor programme broadcast on Saturday 8th November.

"These complaints are being assessed against our Broadcasting Code."

13,000 people have signed another petition calling for White's return to the show, which this week will feature a performance from Lewis.

The former winner said she was “surprised” that White was voted off last week.