[Harry!]

http://ukpress.google.com/article/AL...AC7FztQVDCIbmw

Leon Jackson won the X Factor "fair and square", ITV have said as the number of complaints shot up to more than 1,500.

Fans of runner-up Rhydian Roberts have accused TV bosses of fixing the result after finding phone lines jammed during Saturday night's show.

As the number of complaints to Ofcom rocketed from 80 on Monday to more than 1,500 ITV stepped into the row to reassure viewers and deny a fix.

The broadcaster said in a statement: "We know there are many Rhydian fans who are disappointed that he did not win, but the simple fact is that Leon won the X Factor fair and square.

"Rhydian and Leon were both very strong finalists, so it is not surprising that they both had avid fan bases and that people voted in their millions.

"However, Leon performed strongly across the series and was the outright winner on the night by a full 10% of the vote.

"We never reveal results of the show to the viewers, judges or the production team throughout the series to ensure that voting patterns are not influenced by that information.

"The only people that are aware are the company that manages the voting, an ITV representative and the executive producer of the show.

"However, we are happy to clarify the margin by which Leon won the final to reassure viewers on this occasion."

There was just 1% between Leon and Rhydian before they sang their respective versions of new single When You Believe but after they had performed, there was a surge in support for the 18-year-old Scot.