HMV has apologised after a technical hitch on its website sparked rumours of an X Factor fix ahead of this weekend’s final.
The high-street retailer accidentally posted an item under its CD Singles Coming Soon category, which read: “Amelia Lily X Factor 2011 Winner’s Single”.
HMV has been left red faced following the error, insisting that it does not have any insider information on the outcome of the X Factor final, which is voted for by the general public.
It has since removed the announcement on its website.
"Hmv.com was looking to accept customer pre-orders for versions of the X Factor winner's single recorded by each of the three finalists,” HMV spokesman Gennaro Castaldo told reporters.
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"However, due to a technical issue only Amelia Lily's details were uploaded. These have been temporarily removed so that all three finalists’ details can go up at the same time.”
This weekend Amelia Lily will go head-to-head with Marcus Collins and Little Mix.
Since Mischa B’s exit last weekend, Little Mix had been the favourites to take the X Factor crown this weekend.
The news is the latest in a string of controversial incidents to hit this year’s X Factor show, which has seen a steady decline in ratings.
X Factor bosses are said to be ‘very annoyed’ by HMV’s error, according to reports.
"This is absolutely nothing to do with The X Factor, HMV has admitted this was due to a technical error on its site," Caren Davis, head of publicity for the X Factor told reporters.
