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The X Factor has denied giving some acts a more favourable audition process in the early stages of the show.

It follows a report in that some hopefuls, such as more established acts, had been invited to fast-track auditions separate from everyone else.

A spokesperson said that although acts with management deals were now able to try out, everyone still had to go through the same process.

To see the judges, acts must first audition for the show's producers.

"All acts have to apply and go through the same process as every other act," a spokesperson told Newsbeat.

"All acts are auditioned on their own merits and the judges then decide who goes through to the live shows."

For the first time this year, music managers and talent scouts have been told their acts can apply for the new series.

That means that singers and groups are eligible even if they already have a management deal, or have had one in the past.

However, the show said the new rules didn't give any guarantee that anyone would get past the initial producer auditions.

Potential stars were also able to skip the open audition days this year by uploading a performance via Facebook or YouTube.

The ninth series of the singing show returns to ITV at the end of the summer.

It was also revealed last week that Dannii Minogue would not be returning to the judging panel for the upcoming series.