Another series of The X Factor, another batch of fix rumours...
This year, the Daily Star has claimed that two thirds of the 2017 finalists were scouted by Simon Cowell's team before the series even started.
It was alleged that show insiders spent months travelling the country, attending open mic nights in between scouring YouTube to find the next big thing, leading some to claim that this series is a set-up.
So, Digital Spy decided to ask the remaining X Factor boys Leon Mallett, Lloyd Macey and Sam Black to set the record straight – what's the truth here, lads?
"Well I definitely didn't get scouted," laughed Sam. "Before The X Factor, I'd never even played a gig before so I don't know how anyone could scout me.
"I didn't even apply to audition. My girlfriend, sorry fiancé, signed me up online and I didn't know she had done it!"
Okay, his story seems to check out, but how about Lloyd?
"I wasn't scouted either," he explained. "I just went along to an open audition in Cardiff which had been advertised. I went into a room and had to sing in front of a camera, then I had to wait quite a while to find out if I'd made the next round."
And you, Leon?
"No I wasn't scouted either," he told us. "I only auditioned in the first place because my brother wanted to go for it but didn't want to audition as a solo artist. So we auditioned together.
"He didn't get through to the finals unfortunately but he's been backing me the whole way. He's so mature for his age. Simon [Cowell] asked him to come back next year so I think he's going to audition again. He only just turned 19 this year so he's still got plenty of time to do this."
Right. So there you have it, guys. Now can we please chill with the fix stories?
The X Factor continues tonight at 8.20pm on ITV.
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