Vinnie Jones put through to X Factor: Celebrity semi-final

Vinnie Jones was sent into the \'X Factor: Celebrity\' semi-final despite offering to step down.

The 54-year-old actor found himself in the sing-off against actor Kevin McHale during Saturday night\'s (16.11.19) show and in a heartfelt speech, he suggested he dropped out.

He told the judges - Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger - that the show "was everything he needed since his wife died".

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He added: "Simon, I feel that I\'ve had a fantastic time. I\'ve really enjoyed it. It\'s been everything I needed since my wife\'s passing. This guy is a real singer. I think he can win it. For his career, I\'d like to step down."

However, Simon "insisted" he would like Vinnie to stay and would "like to make the final decision, regardless".

In the sing off, Vinnie impressed Nicole with his performance of \'The Galway Shawl\', whilst Louis chose to save his act Kevin.

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Earlier in the show, Simon revealed he had axed the safe seats from \'X Factor: Celebrity\' because viewers "hated" them.

When asked what had happened to the seats, Simon said: "I do actually read social media, and they said they hated them, so they\'ve gone. That was it."

Dermot then said: "I mean, let\'s be realistic about this. Someone you pay went on social media and they told you that on social media they hate them, and that\'s the reason they\'re gone."

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To which Simon replied with a laugh: "Well, yeah."

Earlier in the show, Try Star left Nicole hot under the collar with a sexy performance to \'Boom\', as they danced in the rain, whilst Megan sang her original song, \'When I\'m Crying\'.

Max and Harvey, Jenny Ryan, Try Star, Megan McKenna, V5 and Vinnie will compete in the \'X Factor: Celebrity\' semi-final next weekend.