AS if having your integrity questioned by Gary Barlow – a man with a fondness for tax havens – isn’t bad enough, North-East X Factor hopeful James Arthur has already had his private life splashed all over the tabloids.

The singer’s version of Kelly Clarkson’s Stronger divided opinion on Saturday night.

Louis said the 24-year-old, from Saltburn, was amazing.

But the Take That star said he missed Arthur’s guitar and edgy feel.

In fairness to the east Cleveland contestant, he didn’t take it lying down, saying he thought he had been the victim of a bit of tactical judging.

The judge’s criticism mattered little, however, as Arthur made it through to next week with the minimum of fuss.

Whether he continues in the show for much longer or not, he can take comfort from the fact that he can sing far better than last night’s guest Ne-Yo.

Horrible.

Only Rylan Clark’s sing-off performance was worse.

The song was called One Night Only – an irony I’m sure wasn’t missed on 99 per cent of the viewers watching the first live show. Or so we thought.

The fact that Louis took it to deadlock should be investigated in the same way Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway vote-rigging was.

And the fact that the public voted to keep Rylan in over Carolynne Poole means they should also be investigated.

Every one of them.

The only person who should escape investigation is Barlow, who showed his disgust – and restored his integrity completely in my eyes – by storming off.

Excellent entertainment.