The X Factor was hit by a fresh scandal today over accusations that "sick" Diana Vickers was well enough to sing.

Laryngitis: singer Diana Vickers

Footage on The Xtra Factor on ITV2 shows the blonde, who cried off Saturday's show because of laryngitis, screaming and yelling on Bonfire Night, three days beforehand. She was all smiles and looking healthy, despite viewers being told she was in bed all week before the show. On The X Factor she was seen croaky-voiced and examined by a doctor, finally announcing she could not sing.

Vickers has spoken out about the accusations saying, “I felt under the weather all last week but didn't want to miss out on the fireworks display. On Thursday I saw the doctor and was given antibiotics and the following day was diagnosed with Laryngitis by a Harley Street specialist. Up until Saturday afternoon, I was still hoping and praying that I would be well enough to perform but the producers spoke to the doctor who made it clear that I could risk long-term damage to my voice."

She added, "I was absolutely devastated to be told I couldn't perform on Saturday night and disappointed not to be able to meet Mariah Carey. I am due to see the doctor again on Friday so fingers crossed I will be able to take part in this Saturday's show.”

More than 29,000 people signed a petition to bring back fellow contestant Laura White, who was booted off on Saturday. Some have speculated 17-year-old Vickers missed having to sing Mariah Carey songs because they did not suit her voice.

Her mentor, Cheryl Cole, said she had missed rehearsals all week and had been confined to bed. Now she may be off for another week as bosses fear she will not recover from laryngitis in time. But White, 21, today defended Vickers on BBC Breakfast. She also said: "It's not the end for me. I will get myself a deal."