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The X Factor 2016 hit with 'fix' accusations after member of boy band 5AM revealed to be professional singer

Kieran Alleyne previously featured on Radio 1, released an album, and worked with Beyonce’s team

Jack Shepherd
Sunday 11 September 2016 10:27 BST
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(Syco / Thames / Dymond)

The X Factor has once again been hit with ‘fix’ accusations after reports emerged that a member of boy band 5AM - who auditioned on the show - previously featured on Radio 1, released an album, and worked with Beyonce’s team.

The Sun claim Kieran Alleyne is no stranger to the spotlight, having racked up almost 5 million views on Youtube and appeared in two West End plays, including Michael Jackson’s Thriller Live.

He also appeared in Dani Harmer’s CBBC sitcom Dani’s Castle in 2013, playing a character called Jimmy, as well as presenting the channel’s weekly music show Friday Download.

The 21-year-old also previously said in an interview: “I’m actually signed to Artistry Entertainment, which is headed up by Max Gousse, who was Beyonce’s A&R and has been involved in projects like B2K, YG and Ty Dollar.

“It is licensed by Virgin EMI for the UK. We are all working hard to open the right doors and get the right looks at radio. There is plenty more to come.”

The X Factor holds that: "Anyone can apply for The X Factor whether they are professional or amateur, irrespective of their past experience and all contestants are auditioned on merit.”

This is the second time this series a contestant with a musical history has auditioned on the show: Ryan Laurie - who performed his own version of The Vamps' “Cecilia” - previously had a song hit 39 on the iTunes chart, completed two UK tours, and once played a major spot at Capital FM Summertime Ball (which takes place at Wembley Stadium).

Meanwhile, The Mirror have also hit out at the ITV talent contest, picking up on viewers who claimed bands 5AM and Girls Next Door ‘mimed’ their auditions.

One Tweeter noted: ”Simon Cowell, do you really think people are that stupid? Those ‘bands’ we're clearly miming. Pathetic man!” Another wrote: “X Factor using pre-recorded vocals and having the contestants mime in the auditions is ridiculous. This show is a load of shite.”

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ITV responded by saying: "Everyone who auditions for The X Factor sings live in front of the judges.” Notably, after the audition, judge Nicole Scherzinger made the point of saying their harmonies were of due to dancing, a comment at ends with the miming accusations.

Despite reforming the original judging line-up, The X Factor has failed to bring in viewers, the first show of the series hitting a 10 year low.

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