Transgender X Factor contestant Felix Shepherd fails to reach next round

Felix Shepherd stunned the panel of judges in his audition, when he revealed he had been born Emily before transitioning with treatment paid for by his mother.

The 20-year-old student impressed in his early performance but has failed to progress in the competition.

Boys mentor Louis Tomlinson joined his fellow judges in praising Shepherd’s talent and attitude, saying: “That was a brilliant, brilliant audition.”

But a flat performance in tonight’s episode denied him a seat in the six-chair challenge.

Shepherd entered the competition stating: “I’m here to prove I’m more than just a transgender guy.”

He has now been sent home but Tomlinson asked the singer to come back and try again in another series.

Tomlinson said: “For whatever reason it just didn’t work. Your tone is unbelievable when you are on the money.

“Unfortunately, I can’t give you a chair today. But I want you to come back. Don’t give up.”

Shepherd was supported through his transition by his mother, a nurse, who paid for his treatments. The song-writing student revealed that his voice had fallen from a falsetto, and that he had struggled to adapt to his changing tone.

The cliff-hanger sing-off concocted by Simon Cowell was also decided, with both contestants – Maria Laroco and Georgia Burgess – being allowed to stay.

Ayda Field granted Danny Tetley a chair after an emotional performance, leading the replaced Burgandy Williams to storm off carrying a chair. 

This prompted Robbie Williams to plunder his wife’s Overs category, and pair the ousted singer with Panda Ross for his Groups.

Dermot O’Leary joined in the drama, rushing to the rescue of a singer Tommy Ludford, who tumbled backwards off the stage. The crowd and the panel were panicked, but the guitar-playing singer got back to his feat unharmed.