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X Factor stars The Risk have confirmed that Ashley Baptiste has left the band and will be replaced by Nu Vibe's Ashford Campbell.
The 22-year-old quit The X Factor after deciding that he could not commit to life in a boyband.
In a statement, Baptiste praised his former bandmates Charlie Healy, Andrew Merry and Derry Mensah and said that he is confident The Risk can win The X Factor without him.
"It's been a really tough decision but I have decided to leave The Risk," he declared. "I don't believe my future lies in a boyband and it's not fair on Charlie, Derry and Andy to remain in the band when I am not truly committed to it for the long term.
"I believe The Risk can win The X Factor and I'm backing them all the way. I count them as my friends so I know we'll stay in touch."
The Risk added: "We're gutted to be losing Ashley but we back him all the way in his decision. We're going to miss him, but The Risk are going to carry on in the competition and hope we can do our mate and all our supporters proud."
An X Factor spokesperson said: "We're disappointed to be losing Ashley from the competition but we fully support his decision and wish him well for the future."
Following Baptiste's departure, The Risk asked their mentor Tulisa Contostavlos if they could continue as a four piece with former Nu Vibe member Campbell in the lineup.
"We're devastated that Ashley has decided to leave but we respect his decision," the group said. "After taking in the news we decided that we didn't want to be a trio, we really wanted another member.
"We have always liked Ashford, right from Boot Camp, and always had a strong bond with him. He's mega talented and will bring so many qualities to the group. We're so glad he said yes and we can't wait to get rehearsing."
Contostavlos gave her backing to the decision and said that Campbell would be a "fantastic fit" for The Risk.
"I'm gutted to see Ashley go, we'll all really miss him but we respect his choice and wish him all the best for the future," she said.
"The Risk boys really wanted Ashford to replace Ashley and I think he's got a great voice, he's a fantastic fit and I totally support their decision"
Campbell additionally claimed that the other members of Nu Vibe, who were eliminated in the second week of The X Factor live shows, have given their blessing to his move.
"I couldn't believe what I was hearing when I got the call," the 16-year-old said. "I had to speak to the Nu Vibe boys first and once they gave me their blessing I was straight back on the phone to grab the offer. It's unbelievable and now I've got to work even harder after my break."
The new-look version of The Risk have just 24 hours to prepare for their first performance together on The X Factor's next live show.
The X Factor returns tonight at 8pm on ITV1.
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All the changes in the groups is getting my head in a spin!
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Alexandra Burke will be a guest judge on this weekend's X Factor, it has been announced.
The singer, who won the show in 2008, has been drafted in as a last minute replacement for Kelly Rowland, who will miss the show due to ill health.
Burke said: "I'm really excited to be a guest judge on The X Factor this evening. As someone who has been part of the show all the way to the final, I can't wait to share my opinions. I'll be there fighting for the girls tonight!"
A statement released yesterday confirmed that the Destiny's Child star is unable to fly back to the UK from LA due to a throat infection.
"Kelly is devastated she won't be here for this weekend's show," read the statement. "She is extremely ill with a viral throat infection and her doctors aren't permitting her to fly."
The news follows rumours that Rowland had flown to America after falling out with fellow judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh.
Contostavlos and Walsh accused Rowland's act Misha B of bullying fellow contestants on last week's show, prompting Rowland to warn Contostavlos to "leave things backstage".
Rowland has insisted that she hasn't abandoned her acts and has been in constant contact with them from the other side of the Atlantic. She had been due back in the UK on Thursday.
Burke will join Contostavlos, Walsh and Gary Barlow on the X Factor judging panel from 8pm tonight on ITV1.
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i think im done with x factor now, i feel its run its course. I feel all these changes are just a boost for ratings. Its to dark and depressing now not what you want on saturday nights!
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I can't stand Frankie. Not a fan of Kitty. I wish Sophie would sing an up-tempo song for goodness sake!! Her song choices make her seem so boring. Loving Marcus and Craig :D
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A 24-year-old man who falsely accused Louis Walsh of sexual assault has apologised in court.
Leonard Watters claimed that he had been groped by the X Factor star in the bathroom of a Dublin nightclub earlier this year. Watters was arrested after admitting that he had made up the accusations.
Appearing in Dublin District Court this morning, Watters apologised for having given two false statements to Irish police.
"I would like to sincerely apologise to Mr Louis Walsh for all the stuff I put him through. The allegation was false," he is quoted as having said from the witness box.
His solicitor told the court that the father-of-two is now seen as a "Walter Mitty"-type fantasist within his local community.
Detective Inspector Michael Cryan said that CCTV footage had been examined the day before Watters made his second false statement on June 27, explaining: "It became obvious the CCTV did not support his allegations."
"He admitted Louis Walsh did not sexually assault him," Cryan added. "He continued to claim he was sexually assaulted in the toilets but that Louis Walsh did not do it."
Watters was remanded in custody until 2pm, when he will be sentenced by judge Dermot Dempsey.
Speaking after having his name cleared, Walsh said that he had "instructed my libel lawyer to vigorously pursue legal action" against The Sun newspaper over the claims.
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I'm glad that Louis Walsh name has been cleared. I think Alexandra Burke made a good stand in judge for Kelly:thumbsup:. Kelly is on her way back now.
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X Factor's Tulisa Contostavlos falls ill - as Kelly Rowland flies back to UK
The singer has pulled out of all promotional work for her new perfume due to illness.
A spokesman for Tulisa said that the star was suffering from toothache and was due to visit a dentist this afternoon for treatment.
He added that the judge would be well enough to appear on Saturday's X Factor show.
Tulisa kicked off a huge row with Kelly after claiming her contestant Misha B had been picking on girls in her band Rhythmix and making them cry.
News of Tulisa feeling unwell came as Kelly Rowland jetted back to the UK after missing last week’s show due to a severe throat infection, which kept her in Los Angeles and left former winner Alexandra Burke to step in to mentor the girls.
Fellow judge Gary Barlow has spoken out about the feud that erupted over the Misha B bullying row.
He said: “For anyone who thinks last week was all for the cameras, then they’re wrong. Tulisa is very young and what she came out with shocked me, to be honest.
“I couldn’t believe it had been brought to the stage, but she’s one of those people, who when she sees something she’s got to say it, so fair enough.
“Maybe it’s a case of Kelly and me against Louis and Tulisa.
“I do like Kelly. I don’t know why Tulisa did it. But she is the kind of person who only does stuff she believes in. She’d pobably defend it if you talk to her. Tulisa’s not one to back down.
“We all feel very protective towards our acts. In Tulisa’s eyes she was *defending her bands, but then on the other side of the coin Kelly’s there with one of her bands being looked at like a trouble maker.
“If anything I think Misha’s chances will have improved. I think people will have felt sorry for her.
“If you flip it round she was *actually being bullied. I don’t think Tulisa bullied her, but *Louis took it too far.”
source: The Mirror
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...sks-Derry.html
Kitty makes racist remarks that is her gone this week I think
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Tulisa Contostavlos has been struck down with toothache ahead of this Saturday's X Factor.
Her spokesman confirmed that the N-Dubz singer is suffering from the complaint, but indicated that she will appear on this Saturday's X Factor panel.
According to The Mirror, Contostavlos has cancelled promotional work for her new perfume this week due to the problem.
Alexandra Burke filled in for fellow judge Kelly Rowland who missed last weekend's live shows with a "throat infection".
Contostavlos and Rowland are supposedly now on 'good terms' despite their recent row over contestant Misha B.
The X Factor continues on Saturday night at 8pm on ITV1.
