Leona Lewis has described Laura White's much publicised departure for The X Factor as “a real shocker”.

The singer, who won the programme in 2006, has joined the mounting debate surrounding the contestant's controversial dismissal last weekend.

Speaking to the BBC, Lewis said: "It was a real shocker this week. I wasn't outraged, screaming at the TV and stuff, but I was surprised."

As previously reported, White, 21, became the fifth act to be voted off the reality TV after she failed to secure enough votes from the judges.

Yesterday, Lily Allen also expressed her surprise at White's dismissal, while MPs raised the issue in the House of Commons on Monday.

12,000 people have so far signed a petition calling for White to be reinstated on the show.

Meanwhile, judge Louis Walsh has defended his decision to vote her off, saying the singer was “never going to win”.

(by Jason Gregory)