X Factor producers glossed over the axing of popular contestant Sian Phillips in tonight's judges houses round of auditions.
The 24-year-old Liverpudlian was invited to audition at Kelly Rowland's home in Miami in the girls' category, but was denied a visa because of her criminal past.
She was swiftly replaced by 17-year-old Sarah Watson, who said her last-minute inclusion was 'still sinking in' as she sat on the beach in Florida in tonight's episode.
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| Axed: Sian Phillips' exit from the X Factor, after her US visa was refused, was glossed over on tonight's show |
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| 17-year-old Sarah Watson has stepped into the girls' category in Sian's place |
The X Factor brushed over Sian's removal as they introduced the female contestants, simply saying that she wasn't able to continue in the competition, before introducing Miss Watson.
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| Final eight: Sarah, third left, joined the other girl contestants (L-R) Holly, Melanie, Misha, Amelia, Janet, Sophie and Jade |
