SiCo Warned To "Cut Out Sleaze" On The X Factor

As XF becomes the most complained about show in ITV history...

Simon Cowell has reportedly been warned by bosses to "cut out the sleaze" on The X Factor, after the talent show became the most complained about programme in ITV history.

According to The Mirror, the XF final received over 2,000 complaints from viewers over Rihanna and Christina Aguilera's racy performances, meaning this year's series has totalled a whopping 5,000 plus complaints to TV regulator, Ofcom.

CHECK OUT PICS OF THE X FACTOR WINNER MATT CARDLE HERE!

The show has also been rocked by the row over the use of auto-tune on auditions and claims that the show was "fixed", which have raged on throughout the series, causing many angry fans to complain.

A source told the newspaper: "Bosses are worried about the complaints, which have grown rapidly this series."

"They certainly don't want the trouble they have had in recent weeks, including claims that the show is becoming seedy and oversexed as well as the accusations by contestants that the show is fixed."

They continued: "That tarnishes the image of The X Factor and ITV so things must change. It's our image as a family channel that's at stake. Serious meetings are taking place with Cowell and executives.”

WATCH XFACTOR JUDGE SIMON COWELL'S OFFICIAL TOP 50 HERE!

ITV boss Peter Fincham is also said to have locked horns with Simon, when the music mogul backed the return of prostitute, Chloe Mafia, where she wore a raunchy outfit for Sunday's XF rejects performance.

The insider claimed: "Simon and Peter were rowing over why Chloe was on the show and used so prominently,"

"Peter wasn't sure it was appropriate but Simon's attitude was, 'Do you want these big ratings or not?’ He feels that there needs to be controversy to drive the programme and make sure it is talked-about and watched."

They added: "But there is a line - especially before the watershed - and there is a feeling by some ITV bosses that he has crossed it during this series on several occasions."

CHECK OUT PICS OF THE 2010 X FACTOR FINAL IN MTV'S GALLERY HERE!!

An ITV spokesman has since commented on the reports, stating: "We speak regularly with Simon and his team about the show."

"The X Factor is the most popular and talked-about show on television and it naturally generates a range of comment and opinion from our audience and we listen carefully to what our viewers say about our programming."

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