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Leon Jackson's mother Wendy has hit back at Simon Cowell's criticism of her son's first live X Factor performance.

Wendy was furious when Cowell slated Leon's rendition of 'Can't Buy Me Love' last weekend, and she has now accused the music mogul of scheming to get rid of the competition.

"I was so proud and thought he was great. But I was really unhappy with Simon's comments that Leon didn't deserve his place in the final 12," Wendy told the Daily Star Sunday.

"Maybe it's because he's one of the favourites to win the competition and he's trying to get rid of the strong ones that aren't in his own category."

Asked what she would say to Cowell if they came face-to-face, Wendy joked: "I wouldn't say anything. I'd just punch him in the face."

Taken from DS.