Illness and Tantrums Threaten to Hinder 'X Factor' Semi Finalists

If news reports are to believed - tonight's "X Factor" semi final could end in major upset as almost all of the acts are battling illness and other problems. With tonsillitis, flu and temper tantrums, 2010's "X Factor" final may be the worst in the show's run.

Bookies favourite Rebecca Ferguson seems to be the only contestant who hasn't made the news this week for coming down with the rapidly spreading illnesses running through the "X Factor" house.

Matt Cardle was struck down with tonsillitis, leaving him unable to rehearse. He also missed out on a secret X Factor gig earlier this week in order to save what was left of his voice. Mary Byrne managed to perform at the concert, but lost her voice following her performance. One Direction's Harry Styles has also lost his voice and they may be missing Zayn Malik on tonight's show as he had to return home this week due to family issues.

The big news today though, is Cher Lloyd and her inability to control her temper. Earlier this week, Cher was due to go to the premier of the latest Narnia movie but allegedly threw a tantrum and stayed back in the "X Factor" house with Mary Byrne who was also unable to attend through illness. Cher Lloyd also missed out on the secret gig but the latest news is that she had yet another meltdown at rehearsals yesterday. According to a show source, Lloyd was practising for tonight's performance when she stopped in the middle and yelled, " You've taken everything. I have nothing left to give!"

Cheryl Cole took Cher aside and gave her a pep talk, but when Lloyd attempted the song again later, she failed to finish it for a second time and stormed off the stage. A camerawoman followed her backstage, at which point Cher snapped, "Get out of my face, I'm not a caged animal."

With the reports that Cher Lloyd now has a 24 hour therapist who lives in the "X Factor" house, it seems that concerns for her state of mind have risen again. The semi finals are just hours away now, and with Cher Lloyd being so fragile and the other contestant fighting off sickness, the 2010 "X Factor" semi final could be one to remember - but not necessarily for the right reasons.