X-Factor: Thousands complain over Cowell's 'Jedward' U-turn

Thousands of X-Factor fans have complained to ITV and watchdog Ofcom about judge Simon Cowell's decision to back the 'Jedward' twins in Sunday's sing-off.

Cowell, who has made no secret of his dislike for brothers John and Edward Grimes, came under attack for doing a U-turn and backing the Irish duo in a sing-off against Welsh teenager Lucie Jones.

His vote meant the judges were evenly split over who should be sent home from the hugely-popular talent show.

The decision was then put to a public vote, with the programme's 1.6 million viewers choosing to back the twins.

ITV reportedly received over 3,000 complaints about Sunday's vote, while Ofcom also said it was investigating after receiving an unspecified number of complaints about the show, although a spokesman said the number was "much, much lower" than those received by the broadcaster.

"There is no official investigation, but legally we have to look into any complaints," he said.

'Jedward', who performed 'Ghostbusters' on Saturday's show, have become something of a hit -- less for their singing skills than for their effect on Cowell, who has threatened to leave the country if they win the contest.

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Jean Davies, grandmother of singer Lucie Jones, accused Cowell of voting 'politically' to protect his own acts.

"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."

Both Cowell and fellow judge Louis Walsh, who mentors the twins, voted in their favour, while Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole voted for Jones.