Bella Penfold has been eliminated from the X Factor

Bella Penfold has been eliminated from the X Factor
Bella Penfold being interviewed by Dermot O'Leary

The former St Gregory’s Catholic School student went out of the ITV series on Sunday [November 18] despite being one of the bookies’ favourites to be named winner.

Her performance of Strong by London Grammar received the fewest public votes of the eight acts meaning immediate elimination. She was later followed out of the competition by Shan Ako, another singer managed in by lead judge Simon Cowell.

Bella has come a long way since she was first given chance to perform on stage at SEVENTEEN, the restaurant of One Warwick Park Hotel in Tunbridge Wells.

Since entering the competition, she has impressed millions of viewers with her soulful voice and rapping flow.

Bella has also won plaudits for publically embracing her sexuality and performing LGBT anthem Same Love by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis in an early round.

But the final six proved a step too far this time. Judge Ayda Field and guest judge, the Chic legend Nile Rodgers sitting in for Robbie Williams, both said Strong was not her ideal song choice.

After the announcement, an upset looking Bella told host Dermot O’Leary: “I have had the most incredible journey.

“If there is one person I would like to thank more than anyone it is Simon Cowell. He has changed my life.”

Dermot said: “It is a terrible way to go and I am sure you have a great career ahead of you.”

And fans on Twitter agreed, with one saying: “Totally gutted for you. You have a super career ahead of you. Take care and always be yourself.”

Another wrote: “So sad to see you go Bella. Honestly genuinely shocked – you should’ve gone through. You’ve been my winner from the very beginning.”

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