Rhydian speaks out over "Fix factor"

18 December 2007- 'The X Factor' finalist Rhydian Roberts claims the votes were fixed.

The white-haired baritone singer lost out in the final of the reality show to rival Leon Jackson by 1% of the total vote, but viewers are complaining in their hundreds about the phone number for Rhydian being jammed.

Rhydian's father Malcolm said: "Rhyd's not a bad loser but he feels the same as us about the result - and we think it's a fix. He's disappointed for himself and his fans."

A spokesman for independent regulator for the communication industry, Ofcom, said: "We have had complaints from viewers who expressed concerns about the operation of the voting. Many said they were struggling to get through."

But ITV have hit back at the claims, saying the way the votes are counted and verified leaves no room for mistakes.

A spokesman said: "Phone lines were monitored throughout the night and there were no issues. We do get a huge surge of calls and depending on phone operators, some callers may have experienced an engaged tone or network busy message and therefore may have had to call back.

"These calls should not be charged. Some Virgin Media customers did experience problems getting through because of high call volumes, but there were no other reported faults. As all numbers go to the same lines and vote platforms, it is impossible for any bias."

Meanwhile, some radio stations in Wales have decided to boycott Leon's single, 'When You Believe', until "justice is done" and the rightful winner of the show is announced.

Gareth Davies, programme manager for Town and Country Broadcasting - which owns five stations across the country - said: "Our radio station presenters have been inundated with calls suggesting that during Saturday's X Factor their votes for Welsh favourite Rhydian were not able to be counted as lines were jammed.

"As a result until justice is done, we've decided not to play the winner's single on our group of stations."

(C) BANG Media International