X Factor 2018: Simon Cowell changes the rules as he suffers double blow seeing Bella Penfold and Shan eliminated

The two singers missed out on the semi-final
Unhappy: Simon Cowell changed live tour rules after Shan Ako was eliminated
Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX
Natasha Sporn18 November 2018

Simon Cowell suffered a double X Factor blow as Bella Penfold and Shan became the next two acts to leave the competition.

The music mogul declared he was going to “break the rules” and change the format of this year’s live tour to include eight acts after losing his two girls on Sunday.

Big Band Week proved to be the end for the 19-year-old as she finished last in the public vote, leaving her without the chance to prove herself in the sing-off, while a deadlock vote saw Shan lose her place.

Unable to make a decision, Ayda Field opted to leave the final decision up to the public, revealing that teen duo Acacia and Aaliyah had slightly more public votes.

Gone: Bella Penfold was eliminated first on Sunday night (Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX )
Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX

Cowell had said that it was an “amazing sing-off” while Field said that she had a “spirit crush” on Shan, who had “one of the best vocals” in the competition before saying she “couldn’t make the decision”.

Speaking on stage, Cowell told host Dermot O’Leary that he was “more than shocked” as he revealed his tour change.

He added: “Shan and Bella…I’m devastated but you will be on the tour.”

But viewers were less than impressed with her performance, branding it “painful”.

The X Factor continues Saturday at 8pm on ITV.

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