X Factor singer Shirlena axed over health concerns

Shirlena Johnson performed an eccentric version of Duffy song Mercy

Simon Cowell has pulled Shirlena Johnson out of The X Factor.

It follows speculation in the press over concerns for her mental health.

Her audition went out on the first show on Saturday night (21 August).

She sang a bizarre cover of Duffy's Mercy with the judges originally putting her through to the next round.

A statement from X Factor bosses said: "The welfare of contestants is of paramount importance and for this reason it has been agreed that Shirlena Johnson should not continue."

It continued: "X Factor say that all contestants are asked to disclose any health issues at the auditions stage and then they ask for a full GP report if they get through to boot camp - which they did.

"Boot camp is yet to be filmed. [We have] no idea what is wrong with Shirlena."

It's understood Shirlena Johnson was given the news in person by programme executives with a psychologist on hand.

The show's medical experts consulted the contestant's own doctor before a decision was made.

More than 12 million viewers saw the single mother performing Mercy in leopard skin leggings and a leather jacket.

Shirlena Johnson was also axed from Miss Great Britain on Tuesday (24 August) after producers found out she was too old to take part.