X Factor Conspiracy: Was It All A Set-Up?!

The X Factor New Zealand has been plagued with drama and controversy since it kicked off a few weeks ago.

Firstly, Shae Brider, a convicted killer, was let through to the 'bootcamp' portion of the show. Then Willy Moon and Natalia Kills had a scathing attack on a 51 year old woman at an Auckland bakery calling her a "c***".

Finally it all blew up last night, judge Natalia Kills made scathing remarks about one of the contestants, calling him 'disgusting', 'embarrassing' and accusing him of copying her husband and fellow judge, Willy Moon.

Kiwi viewers reacted to Natalia's actions, accusing her of being a 'bully' and calling for her to be sacked. They got what they wanted today when Mediaworks released a statement saying that Natalia & her husband had been fired from the show.

On tonight's episode, the only mention of the firing was host Dominic Bowden saying '"Following last night's show, Mediaworks has made the decision that Willie Moon and Natalia Kills are leaving the show, and from all of us, we believe it was the right thing to do". The hunt for replacement is currently taking place.

Now all isn't as it seems...

Many people are starting to believe that all of these events have been a well executed publicity stunt, in a desperate attempt to score viewers. This week's TV Guide (published on the 14th) has also added fuel to the fire, with a cover featuring only host Dominic Bowden and judges Mel Blatt and Stan Walker. Where are Natalia and Willy..? Why weren't they on the cover in the first place? We're reaching out to TV Guide for comment.