X Factor turns fat camp?

X Factor finalist Chenai Zinyuku has lost a stone in the past three months after super-tactful judge Louis Walsh told her to slim down.

12:42 15 October 2005

X Factor finalist Chenai Zinyuku has lost a stone in the past three months after super-tactful judge Louis Walsh told her to slim down.

The 19-year-old receptionist from Bradford told the Daily Mirror: "It was between me and Louis. He just said it to me, but I knew that would come up anyway.

"I'm eating healthy and doing a bit of exercise. Being fit helps with your vocals."

Although last year Chenai failed at the boot camp stage of the show, she said she does not think her weight made a difference.

"Losing it was just a gesture," she claimed, but viewers will be able to see tonight whether she has any more success this time round.

This evening is the first of the X Factor's live shows, where the public takes control from the judges to decide who of the 12 should stay till the end and win the million pound recording contract.

But at least one hopeful's dreams will be dashed tonight as the performer or group with the fewest votes will leave the competition and go home empty-handed.