[Arneldo]

X FACTOR hopeful Ben Mills has threatened to quit — because he fears the final is “fixed” for Leona Lewis to win.

He is furious the song chosen for the winner’s debut single — Kelly Clarkson’s A Moment Like This — is more suited to a female vocal.

A source said: “He’s really angry about the song.

“He doesn’t want to record it and has been saying he will walk out of the show before the final if he thinks anything else is being swung in Leona’s favour.

“All the remaining contestants are meant to be recording the song this week so that it can be pressed and ready for release once the winner is announced.

“But Ben thinks Leona now has an unfair advantage and is convinced he’s being carved out by Simon Cowell.” Ben, 26, from Kent, is mentored by judge Sharon Osbourne.

He has won over voters with his gravelly voice.

But The Sun revealed that even show bosses believe stunner Leona — one of Simon’s two remaining acts — will win the final on December 16. The 21-year-old was accused of “tricking” her way on to X Factor after it was revealed she had released a solo album.

She spent three years trying to break into the charts with the help of a vocal coach and went to a top performing arts school.

The source added: “Many people on X Factor feel she has an unfair advantage over the others.” But her dreams may yet be dashed — by TONSILLITIS.

She has had the throat condition all week and doctors have told her to rest her voice — or risk losing it for tomorrow’s crucial live programme when all five acts have to sing TWO songs each. An insider said: “It’s not looking great — she has not been allowed to practice all week and is not in the best of moods.

“She has been to see a top Harley Street doctor who has given her some medication, but Saturday is looking touch and go.

“Leona’s known for her big singing voice so she’s worried she might not be able to hit the notes now.”

Leona’s illness is the latest in a string of ailments to hit contestants. Her rivals Ben and Eton Road’s Anthony Hannah recently had flu.

Meanwhile, the acts have been practising movie-themed songs for this week’s show.

They will all get a last-minute coaching session with this week’s celebrity mentors — Simon’s classical singers Il Divo.

The source added: “Leona doesn’t want to miss it so she’s pretty much staying silent until then.”

From: The Sun