Bella Penfold and Shan Ako have been eliminated from ‘The X Factor’.
Shan, 25 – who was widely considered to be one of the favourites for this year’s ‘X Factor’ crown – exited the ITV show after losing in the sing-off to Acacia & Aaliyah.
Shan and the double act could not initially be separated and so their fate was ultimately decided by the nail-biting deadlock round, with the British public registering more votes for Acacia & Aaliyah than Shan.
Following Shan’s exit from the programme, ‘X Factor’ boss Simon Cowell admitted he was stunned by the decision to send her home.
Earlier in the night, Bella was eliminated after coming bottom of the public vote.
The 19-year-old singer – who was previously tipped to win the competition – failed to impress the public with her performance this week and she was therefore eliminated prior to the semi-final stage.
The show – which once again saw Nile Rodgers step in for regular judge Robbie Williams – also featured a live performance from former ‘X Factor’ judge Cheryl.
The British star recently made her return to the music business after having a baby in March last year, and she entertained the audience with an energetic performance of her new single ‘Love Made Me Do It’.
Bella Penfold and Shan Ako exit The X Factor
