The X Factor has been blasted by audience members during the boot camp phase - with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Louis Walsh taking the brunt of the boos.

According to The Mirror, there were chaotic scenes and claims of a ‘fix’ as the ‘six-chair challenge’ took place.

The format involves six chairs waiting to be filled for each of the four categories - and the judges can change their minds and ask acts to audition again at any time, until they have made a final decision as to who will make it to the next phase of the competition.

[related]But with Cheryl and Louis constantly changing their minds, the 5,000-strong audience turned nasty with boos and abuse - in one instance before an act had even finished their performance.

The Mirror reports that compere Ian Royce had to step in, saying: “Give them a chance,” and: “What you are doing is vile.”

And the paper claims when Louis chose one ‘comedy’ duo over another act - not to mention the fact that a producer was spotted chatting to the judges between decisions - some audience members cried ‘fix’ and walked out.

But a spokesman for the show said: “As part of the Six Chair Challenge the judges have to decide who they take through to Judges Houses.

“Until all acts in their category have sung and the judge has declared that they have chosen their final six, each judge is able to change their minds and bring back anyone they have removed from a seat at any stage.”

Another insider insisted producers were forced to speak to the judges at the desk because they “don’t wear earpieces”.