X Factor Sami leavesRex

The X Factor dream ended for Sami Brookes last night as she became the latest hopeful to be eliminated from the singing contest.

In a somewhat surprising result, Sami found herself singing for survival against her fellow over-25s hopeful Kitty Brucknell.

The Welsh singer put the "cruise ship" comments behind her and impressed singing Aretha Franklin's A Natural Woman, while Kitty put in an emotional performance of Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory.

That left the judges with a tough decision. Gary started the voting by saving Kitty, saying: Sami, your voice is undeniable but I've always found you a little bit dated."

Kelly followed suit before Tulisa added a little last minute drama to proceedings by voting to save Sami, the "person I most connect with".

So it was down to Louis to send one of his own acts home. Though he admitted that Kitty was "not connecting with the public for some reason", Louis eventually sent Sami home and was booed as a result.

It wasn't the only difficult moment of the evening for Louis either. Following the Misha B bullying drama of Saturday night, the Irishman opted for an onscreen apology.

"We're all so involved in our own acts, but I got a bit carried away," he told Dermot O'Leary. "I know I shouldn't have used the b-word and I apologise for that. It was the heat of the moment."

Unfortunately the apology might not be enough to save Louis because according to today's Sun newspaper, he may not be asked back for next year's series.

The former Westlife manager has already come in for criticism for putting 'joke act' Goldie through and then ruining replacement Sami's chances by choosing a series of karaoke favourites for her live performances.

With viewers turning off in their hordes and the X Factor beaten by Strictly in Saturday night's ratings, it's rumoured that Mr Simon Cowell may be considering a return.

A source told the paper: "It doesn't take a genius to work out that Simon not being on has hit the ratings.

"... The likelihood is that Louis will be gone next year - and Simon could make a welcome return."

What do you think - should Simon replace Louis for next year's show? Leave your comments below...

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Sami won't be winning this year's X Factor. But then, that's not always a bad thing...