I know I shouldn't get so worked up about a TV talent show - but last night's X Factor result was a disgrace.

How on earth can Simon Cowell slag off John and Edward throughout the competition and then bottle the chance to vote them off the show?

His point all along has been that it is a singing competition, and that the Irish twins can't sing.

So why, when it came to choosing between Jedward and Lucy Jones, did he go for Lucie Jones, whose quality of singing isn't in question?

Could it possibly have anything to do with the fact that John and Edward are guaranteed to generate more publicity than Lucie and, therefore, had to stay?

X Factor's credibility as a serious competition is now shot to pieces.

It's nothing more than a money-making ratings con.