'X Factor': Viewers stunned as eliminated contestant refuses to leave and splits his trousers

Thomas Pound made his triumphant return to X Factor tonight as his drag queen alter ego to compete in the nail-biting Six Chair Challenge.

Simon Cowell had specially requested Pound to return after his initial audition as his drag queen persona – and Pound took him up on the challenge with incredible pizazz.

Wearing a red cape and black wig, Pound sang the emotional song ‘This is Me’ from the Greatest Showman soundtrack before declaring to the audience ‘Be who you are! Stand out!’

And towards the end of his applauded rendition, he stripped off and revealed his checked suit and short haircut.

“I like people who are unique, have guts, put on a show. I would tune in to see you any day of the week!” Simon Cowell said following Pound’s performance.

But it was ultimately One Direction and new X Factor judge Louis Tomlinson’s decision, who has the Boys category.

“You’ve got a seat!” Louis Tomlinson said.

However, Pound was far from safe as he found himself knocked off his coveted chair after rival contestant J-Sol’s rendition of James Brown’s classic hit ‘I Feel Good.’

But he refused to take the rejection and boldly took to the middle of the stage and refused to leave.

“No no no! Please don’t be angry. I am not leaving this arena tonight without a seat!” Pound said.

In an unprecedented move, Tomlinson requested Pound do a sing-off with J-Sol.

And while singing Tina Turner’s crowd pleasing hit ‘Simply the Best,’ Pound did an impromptu splits that caused his trousers to split down the middle.

Undeterred he finished his performance confidently and even wiggled his bottom before the crowd while receiving feedback from the judges.

This shocking refusal to give up his chair and his wardrobe malfunction had viewers split. While some praised Pound, others slammed his actions.

Ultimately, Pound’s protest and sing-off did the trick, as Tomlinson decided to keep the defiant contestant.

“You both thoroughly deserve your seats back!” Tomlinson said.

But while J-Sol and Pound were safe, this forced Tomlinson to push off fellow contestant Tommy Ludford.

This comes a week after Ludford awkwardly fell off the stage while performing for his place on the Six Chair Challenge.

“Number three. Tommy, it’s the end of the road. I’m so sorry Mate!” Tomlinson said.

X Factor returns Sunday night on ITV.

Read more
X Factor: Judges break down in tear after this audition
X Factor: Was this the most awkward audition ever?
X Factor fans Robbie Williams for making it ‘all about him’