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X Factor contestant quits

02/11/2007

X Factor contestant Emily Nakanda has quit the ITV1 talent show amid allegations of involvement in a happy-slapping attack.

A spokesman for the show has confirmed the 15-year-old Londoner has withdrawn herself from the show after the Sun uncovered footage of the young singing hopeful allegedly assaulting another teenager.

Nakanda, part of the Girls 14-24 group mentored by Sharon Osbourne, is apparently shown putting a blonde girl in a headlock on the mobile phone video.

The footage then shows Nakanda swinging the other girl by her hair, before hitting her several times and shoving her to the ground.

An X Factor statement confirmed her exit, explaining: "In response to the stories in the papers this week regarding Emily Nakanda we have conducted our own investigations into the matter and we can confirm that she has chosen to withdraw herself from the competition with immediate effect."

Louis Friberg, Nakanda's mother, explained: "As a family we are heartbroken and are very disappointed with Emily's behaviour, we feel that there is no choice but to withdraw Emily from the competition."

Ms Friberg added: "Emily regrets her actions but there is no way, as a family, we can excuse her behaviour. Emily is very sorry to have let the show, Sharon and the viewers down."

Sharon Osbourne commented: "I am deeply saddened by this whole situation."

The X Factor spokesperson confirmed Nakanda's exit will not affect voting on the show and one contestant will still be voted off on tomorrow night's live programme.

The Sun uncovered a video clip earlier this week which appeared to show Nakanda threatening to gouge a boy's eye out with a knife.