Melanie Masson voted off X Factor

X Factor hopeful Melanie Masson has become the second contestant to leave the show after the judges' vote went to deadlock again.

Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger voted to keep Melanie but Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh saved boyband District 3.

Host Dermot O'Leary was forced to turn to the public vote again and Melanie was sent home after performing Stay With Me by Lorraine Ellison.

Gary said he "was gutted" and "really disappointed" that his 44-year-old contestant was leaving the live shows.

This time Louis was the first judge to announce his vote and, having hesitated after last Sunday's sing-off between Carolynne Poole and Rylan Clark, he spoke quickly and confidently to save his boyband - Michael Parsons, Gregory West and Dan Ferrari-Lane, who performed Everything I Do by Brian Adams.

Tulisa was next to reveal her vote. She said Melanie had "one of the most amazing voices in the competition" but District 3 had "one of the most beautiful harmonies". Gary agreed with Louis that it was "a great sing-off" but saved his own act, mother of two, Melanie.

It was left to Nicole to send one act home immediately or take it to the public vote, sending home District 3 and taking the result to deadlock.

Dermot then revealed the contestant who had received the fewest votes was Melanie, who was known for her big voice. Her husband is Scottish actor, Forbes Masson. Forbes and Alan Cumming co-wrote and starred in the BBC Two series The High Life.

After hearing the final result, she said: "I have absolutely enjoyed every single second of being here and the opportunities it has brought to work with Gary, to work with everybody, it's just been the best experience, I've loved it."

He said: "Gutted, for me Melanie is one of the best singers in the competition, I'm so disappointed, I'm really disappointed for you."