X Factor 2016: Brooks Way 'permanently axed' from show amid abuse allegations

In case you missed it, the live X Factor shows kicked off over the weekend and there was a whole load of drama to go with it.

Despite it being the first live show of the competition, viewers were left baffled on Saturday night when we were already one finalist down, with twins Brooks Way not performing on Saturday night.

Host Dermot O’Leary quickly brushed over their absence and it wasn’t until later in the night that the news broke that the group had been suspended over allegations that 17-year-old Josh Brooks had been threatening his ex-girlfriend, Amelia Clark.

The full extent of Amelia’s relationship with Josh was revealed yesterday, with the teen claiming that Josh had “become arrogant” after appearing on The X Factor two years ago and started to physically abuse her.

The harrowing details included allegations that Josh had broken Amelia’s nose in a fit of rage, and that he’d bragged to her via text message last week that she couldn’t go public with the abuse because he was “protected” by X Factor producers.

Now it has been reported that Brooks Way have been permanently axed from the competition, with a source telling The Sun: “The boys were in bits during the 90-minute meeting and completely broke down in tears.

“Show bosses went really hard saying they can’t tolerate that behaviour and they’re not welcome back at the studios.”

Another insider added to the Daily Star that the boys had lashed out when they were told that they had been suspended on Saturday, sharing: “The boys punched a wall and lashed out. They were so annoyed, this is their big chance of stardom.

“Their gran also claimed ‘X Factor’ were in the wrong. She even tried to get them to put Kyle as a solo artist if Josh was being axed.”

The group have denied all of the allegations against Josh, writing on Twitter: “Today, we have had a tough day with a false allegation. Don’t believe everything you read, both Amelia and Josh will be stating the truth.

“The truth always wins.”

Brooks Way’s departure means that Louis Walsh only has one act left in the competition, 5 After Midnight.