Judge extends bail so X Factor fan can go to live show

Valeri Ivanov, 22, had a ticket for the live show at Wembley but his curfew ended before the show – and he could have been arrested for breaking it.

Car wash worker Ivanov was on trial with two other men at the Old Bailey accused of stabbing another worker six times in a row over who should clean a Porsche in the car park of Sainsbury's in Richmond, west London.

The judge, Recorder Oliver Sells QC, was asked to help as the X Factor fan did not want to miss the excitement of seeing who would be the first person to be eliminated.

A source close to the case said: "The judge had not heard of the X Factor but he allowed the variation for one day because it only involved extending the curfew by two hours."

Ivanov's luck held out for him again yesterday when he and the other defendants were cleared of wounding charges by a jury after medical evidence did not support the allegations.

n Pop superstar Robbie Williams has spoken of his fears for X Factor hopeful Cher Lloyd.

Cher, 17, who was caught up in the row over the elimination of Gamu Nhengu, collapsed backstage after Sunday's results show.

Williams said: "I wasn't as fragile as she is when I was 16. I want to give her a call but I don't know if I can help."