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The popularity of Christopher Maloney is said to be causing controversy behind the scenes on The X Factor, with bosses fearing he will win sympathy votes.

The X Factor boss has apparently banned the contestants and staff from publicly saying anything negative about Maloney, in a hope to stop people from feeling sorry for him. 

And despite Rylan Clark telling TV Biz that he planned to slam Maloney when he got out, he instead said about the singer, "Chris is a great performer and has a fantastic voice. I wish him all the best," even though he had previously made his dislike of Maloney known.

A source told The Sun, "The backlash is working for Christopher. The more people say nasty things about him, the more votes he gets. The feeling now is the less said about him the better."

The Xtra Factor host, Caroline Flack, seemed to agree. She said, "I think what’s happening is people are feeling sorry for him.

"And that perhaps might be why people are voting - but people are voting."

However, an X Factor spokesperson said, "None of the contestants are told what to say about one another."

Clark and Maloney together at Eurodisney, with Jahmene Douglas

Rylan Clark also spoke about his mentor Gary Barlow - and once again had kind words to say, despite the two being public enemies.

He said, "Every week Gary gives me a massive cuddle and tells me how well I've done. He does like me. Gary has single-handedly kept me in with the whole 'me and Gary' situation.

"I have so much love and respect for the man and I look forward to working with him. What happens in that studio stays in the studio and he’s been amazing.

"If the opportunity arose for us to do some work together I think we’d both jump at the chance."

Photos: X Factor stars mingle with Skyfall stars at Albert Hall premiere