Louis Walsh's deadlock decision was 'a joke' says Gary

Louis Walsh caused nation-wide controversy on Sunday's (7 October) X Factor results show when he opted not to save Carolynne Poole from going home, meaning that Rylan Clark got to stay in the competition.

In what some are calling the 'fix factor', Louis first decided to save Carolynne, before he swiftly changed his mind and announced that he wanted the decision to go to deadlock, meaning that Carolynne was sent home. What's more, eagle-eyed viewers spotted the Executive Producer of the show, Richard Holloway, chatting to Louis before he made his decision. Could Louis have been told what to say?

Twitter has since erupted with complaints towards the show, with many stating that they think Louis' decision was influenced by the show's producers. Viewer Lee Copeland (@copey87) tweeted: "Why did Louis say he saved Carolynne then change his mind after she celebrated? Harsh."

Celebrity journalist Dan Wootton (@danwootton) said: "You can just imagine the X Factor producers right now begging Tulisa and Louis to save Rylan. They neeed him for the ratings. #XFactor".

Meanwhile, Celebrity Big Brother star Coleen Nolan said: "Just caught up with X factor I'm horrified!! What a joke and a total fix!!"

Viewers weren't the only people who were annoyed by Louis' decision though; Gary Barlow stormed off the stage when it was revealed that Carolynne would be going home.

“It’s an absolute joke. Two years running you’ve lost out to joke acts,” Gary said to Carolynne, who was the victim of a controversial decision by Louis.

Click through the gallery to see more pics from a night of tension on The X Factor.