X Factor judge Gary Barlow is said to be 'furious' over a decision made by the others to keep reggae singer Souli Roots in the competition.
According to the Sunday Mirror the Take That singer is pushing for the flamboyant hopeful - who appeared on last weekend's show - to be given the boot early as he fears she may push out more talented performers.
He is said to have only agreed to return to the show if 'novelty' acts are kept clear of the live shows - in a bid to avoid the situation of 2012 when a number of his acts went out at the expense of Rylan Clark.
"Gary wants to find a true star," a source told the paper. “He gets very serious when it comes to the live shows and knows he will be mentoring very good talent.
“He doesn’t want to lose them to acts like Souli, like he did last year. He’s doing all he can to make sure that she doesn’t threaten any of the real contenders.
The insider added: “Gary enjoys a laugh and some fun, he loves some of the hilarious acts that turn up for the auditions.
“But he believes there is a time and a place for them – and that place isn’t the final.
Call centre worker Souli initially made it through to Wembley Arena last Saturday night after performing a self-penned reggae number entitled Recession.
She was given the nod by all of the judges except Gary - and proceeded to charm them once again at Wembley as well as whipping the audience into a frenzy.
The X Factor continues on Sunday evening at 8pm with the final auditions of the series.
