X Factor: Ofcom to investigate 'Gaga' audition

ITV says footage of family members is only shown with consent

TV watchdog Ofcom is to investigate an episode of X Factor in which a mother performed a song by Lady Gaga.

Alison Brunton, 51, performed Lady Gaga's Edge Of Glory, while her children watched from the wings.

Ofcom received 35 complaints about the segment, with people raising concerns about the impact on the teenagers.

Under the broadcasting code, under-18s must not be "caused unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in programmes".

Before Ms Brunton's strained performance, host Dermot O'Leary asked the children, aged 14 and 16, if they would be teased about it at school.

"I'm never going to hear the end of this," said her son, although he was smiling at the time.

O'Leary noted: "You want to be anywhere else but here right now."

After Ms Brunton stopped singing, guest judge Mel B said: "That should never have happened."

"It was a bit like somebody drunk at a wedding," added Louis Walsh.

Tulisa Contostavlos was kinder, saying: "You're an absolute legend for getting up and doing it."

An ITV spokeswoman said: "The X Factor does not include child contestants but takes the welfare of any children featured in the show very seriously. It is a well-established format and contestants regularly bring along their family to support them, as Alison did.

"Footage of family members is only used when appropriate consent has been obtained."

Ofcom has launched a separate investigation into whether an X Factor segment featuring a Britney Spears impersonator in a body stocking broke guidelines on taste and decency.

Lorna Bliss, 33, sat on judge Louis Walsh's lap and chased judge Gary Barlow through the audience.

The broadcasting watchdog received 34 complaints about the explicit nature of Bliss's performance.

The ITV spokeswoman added: "Lorna's performance and its editing was carefully considered by the producers and ITV. We do not believe her routine exceeded generally accepted standards or the expectations of the vast majority of the audience."