Last Updated: 25 Oct 2010

Once again it's all about X

The first live shows have kicked off with a bang, and just before the first show aired Cheryl Cole was apparently forced to publicly admit that it was not the show's producers who told her not to choose Gamu after all.

Cheryl said, "I just want to set the record straight and tell everyone that the three girls I have chosen to take through to the live shows were chosen by me and Will, and the final choice was, and always is, my decision."

"I understand completely why everybody felt so strongly towards Gamu. I thought she was great too, like all eight girls. But what the public saw was an edited version of what the audition process actually involves."

Cheryl continued, "I was not aware of Gamu’s situation outside of the competition and I am incredibly sad for both her and her family. But I have to stress that it did not have any influence over my choice."

Meanwhile Simon has come forward to say that he and Cheryl have not had a falling out and that he is keen to help Gamu, "No. Cheryl and I haven’t had a fight, yet! And I certainly couldn’t tell her what to do even if I wanted to. We are helping Gamu and her family as much as possible and have lawyers working with her lawyers, not because we have to but because I really feel for their situation, and that’s outside of the show. We were unaware there would be any problem with her visa until this week."

But let's get back to the live show - we love hearing your opinions! So tell us, who won the style war Dannii or Cheryl? Has either Katie or Cher gone up in your estimations? What did you think of the song choices and did the right people go last night? Come on... spill!