The X Factor boss has allowed one contestant to stay on the show despite knowing she’s a hooker. “We haven’t banned prostitutes,” Cowell said. “If a person applies to The X Factor, it’s obvious they want to do something better with their life.” Nineteen year old Chloe Mafia (real name Chloe Heald) told judges she was jobless, and got through to the boot-camp stage despite audience boos. Tabloid newspapers are currently negotiating five-figure deals with the teenager about her more than 140 arrests. There’s already been scandal after scandal, some about  audio enhancements used on the talent show. But, as Cowell knows, there’s no such thing as bad publicity.The X Factor, produced by Cowell’s production company Syco, is pulling in its highest Saturday night ratings of the series so far. The 5th episode of the singing competition peaked with an audience of nearly 13 million on ITV1 and a 52% audience share.

Get the latest Industry news sent straight to your Wall.