'X Factor' hopefuls 'caught stealing backstage'

[dutchman]

X Factor hopefuls auditioning for this year's show have apparently been caught stealing items from backstage areas.



Producers are said to have footage of "hundreds of contestants" taking cosmetics and perfumes from rehearsal rooms filmed through two-way mirrors.

The situation has caused a dilemma for show bosses because some of the offenders have a "great chance" of making it to the live shows, according to The Sun. They are apparently considering broadcasting the footage or axing them from the show.

A show source said: "It has been really funny for the crew watching people slipping stuff into handbags. It's often the people you would least expect - the quieter folk.

"They seem to forget they're being filmed, although they've all been warned there are cameras behind the mirrors.

"The problem is, the scenes could play a part in the public vote when the live rounds come round. It looks like the footage will be left out but it might still end up on the spin-off show The Xtra Factor."

An X Factor spokesman confirmed that runners had to purchase more stock during the auditions, adding: "Contestants are filmed throughout the audition process, including while in make-up."

The X Factor returns on ITV1 later this year.