'The X Factor' contestants have been struck down by a sickness bug.

Simon Cowell

Simon Cowell

Bosses of the singing show are concerned that no one will be fit enough to perform their George Michael renditions this weekend after The Price brothers, Holly Tandy and Matt Linnen were wiped out by the Norovirus and are currently confined to their beds.

A source told The Daily Star newspaper: "They've started dropping like flies. They're all having early nights and resting their bodies and voices. We can't afford to have no shows - there are two double evictions, so four acts are going to get the boot."

This year's series has been riddled with sickness and injury as last month Sam Black lost his voice after he caught a nasty cold and didn't know whether his vocals with withstand the first live show, while Simon Cowell missed the programme two weeks ago when he fell down the stairs at his home in London and was rushed to hospital.

He said recently: "I was lying on my back thinking, 'I hope I haven't broken my neck.' But the NHS staff were the most amazing people I've ever met, genuinely. Fortunately it was all fine ...He [Eric, his son] probably would have told me off, and I didn't want to worry him. He's only three. It does make you realise what's truly important in life."

It comes after Simon admitted low blood pressure was to blame for his slip and has vowed to change his lifestyle in order to make sure he is as fit as he can be so that he can be a responsible father for Eric.

He said recently: "Sometimes we get a reminder that we're not invincible and this was certainly mine. It was a huge shock. They think I fainted because I had low blood pressure and so I have got to really take good care of myself to sort that out. After all I am a dad and have more responsibility than ever."


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