X Factor track downloads 'not chart eligible'

Image source, PA

Image caption, Downloaded tracks from The X Factor are not eligible for the chart

11 October 2010

Performance tracks from this series of X Factor are not eligible for the official UK singles chart, despite being sold via iTunes.

For the first time this year, fans are able to buy tracks from the finalists as digital downloads "within hours" of the talent show being broadcast.

But producers said the songs would be excluded from the top 40 to "protect integrity".

The move will also avoid exposing which contestants are proving most popular.

VIDEO: Nicolo: 'I feel ashamed'

Following the first round of the live finals on Saturday, 9 October, all 16 performances from the programme's contestants were made available for download, priced at 99p per track.

On Sunday's results show, Nicolo Festa exited after coming bottom of the public vote, whilst boyband FYD were eliminated by the show's judging panel after a sing-off with Katie Waissel.

Fourteen acts still remain in the competition.