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TV talent shows such as The X Factor are guilty of "cheap exploitation" because they do not pay contestants, performers union Equity has claimed.

It is calling for all contestants who reach the final round this year to be paid and have legal status as workers.

The union is to table a motion at the TUC conference next month calling on TV companies to pay talent show hopefuls.

But X Factor producer Talkback Thames has refuted the union's claims, saying Equity rates "do not apply".