'Public Enemy Number One' Simon Cowell

Last week, 10th Nov 13:01

Simon Cowell thinks he's "public enemy number one".

The 'X Factor' judge is bracing for a backlash from fans furious over his decision to go to the public vote on Sunday (09.11.09), causing Welsh singer Lucie Jones to leave the show while twin singing act John and Edward made it through to next week.

He said: "I'm going to get a lot of flak for my decision. I'll be public enemy number one. People always like to disagree with me but this will be more controversial than usual. There will be people who are Lucie fans and think she should have been given a chance."

Broadcaster ITV has received over 3,000 complaints from fans threatening to boycott the show over Simon's decision to save the twins despite criticising them and calling them "a joke".

I'm going to vote for the twins every week and I hope everyone else does too!

A spokesperson for the network said: "Reflecting the huge popularity of a show, watched by almost 17 million people, 'The X Factor' result can divide opinion and provoke comment from viewers."

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Lucie's grandmother, Jean Davis, 74, has labelled Simon a "chicken" and claimed he felt threatened by the Welsh songstress' vocal talents.

She said: "I think that Simon Cowell chickened out. I said all along if it came down to Lucie and anyone else he would get rid of her because he is afraid of her. He is afraid of her voice. He said all along he wanted a male singer to win this year. He is protecting his own acts."

She added: "I'm going to vote for the twins every week and I hope everyone else does too!"