Gary Barlow is fuming at 'The X Factor' bosses' instance of keeping comedy acts on the show.
The Take That star is reportedly angry at producers for keeping Souli Roots in the contest, particularly after he demanded there was no repeat of last year when Rylan Clark controversially beat Kye Somes in a sing-off.
An insider told the Sunday People newspaper: "Gary wants to find a true star. He gets very serious when it comes to the live shows and knows he will be mentoring very good talent.
"He doesn't want to lose them to acts like Souli, like he did last year. He's doing all he can to make sure that she doesn't threaten any of the real contenders."
While the judge - who works alongside Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh on the talent show - "enjoys" the comedy acts when they audition, he is determined to prove they shouldn't be anywhere near the final.
The source added: "Gary enjoys a laugh and some fun, he loves some of the hilarious acts that turn up for the auditions.
"But he believes there is a time and a place for them - and that place isn't the final.
"He knows he needs to keep Souli out. Even if he doesn't end up mentoring her, and doesn't have full control of her destiny, he'll have a good go at getting rid of her."
Tagged in Gary Barlow Nicole Scherzinger Rylan Clark