Nicole Scherzinger Sorry For "Effing" On X Factor

Nicole Scherzinger has issued an apology for using the word "effing" on Olly Murs and Caroline Flackapologised to viewers who may have found Scherzinger's language offensive – as did the American judge herself.

She said: "I'm so sorry. You spend every day with these people, you spend so much time with them. Ella [Henderson] was the last female in the competition. I was passionate about her as well as James Arthur, who is one of the greatest human talents ever.

"I'm so sorry for my 'effing'."

While the rest of the judges didn't swear, they all expressed their dismay at seeing such good singers in the bottom two - and all were  shocked by Ella's early exit from the competition.

Simon Cowell tweeted his surprise late last night: "Ella! Gone??? Unbelievable."

And host Dermot O'Leary revealed that Ella was his favourite act in the competition.

"We're not allowed to have favourites, but she was my favourite," he said. "She was unflappable, she was professional, she was wise beyond her years. She enjoyed this whole experience.

"There was never a side of her that was bitter or panicky. She never turned into a diva. She was a really beautiful kid. I just hope she gets picked up by a record label. She's just too good."

Rylan Clark came over emotional and burst into tears on last night's Xtra Factor show, claiming that he felt "so guilty" about surviving ahead of the 16-year-old.

"Ella should be in the final. She's like a sister. 100%," he said. "I feel so guilty. I'm so gutted for her. Ella should be in the final."

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