Katie Waissel in X Factor meltdown after panic attacks

The star has been given round-the-clock medical care, and time off to see her parents

Fragile X Factor contestant Katie Waissel is close to breaking point, and has been given round-the-clock care after suffering panic attacks this week, according to reports.

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Cheryl’s outspoken protégée – who found herself in the bottom two during Sunday’s show – is reportedly buckling under the pressure, and perilously close to quitting the famous talent contest.

It’s not been a great fortnight for the controversial singer. Last week she was forced to call police after suffering sinister death threats over the internet, and now she’s been struck down with a chest infection, and has had to spend days in bed.

And it seems the heavy workload is proving too much.

Yesterday, music bosses were less than impressed when Katie turned up late to a recording studio, where the contestants were scheduled to shoot a video for their upcoming charity single, a cover of the David Bowie track, Heroes. 

‘She’s very fragile and we are very concerned,’ one insider told the Daily Mail.

‘We are considering asking her to step aside because it is really affecting the show. She would still be able to do the X Factor tour if she is strong enough. Her well-being is our priority.

‘She has been in tears and saying she can’t carry on. Producers gave Katie maximum opportunity to turn up, but had to shoot some scenes without her.’

‘When she did arrive, she was given a very icy reception by her fellow contestants. Katie was really hurt by the reaction because she had been up all night, having panic attacks, and crying hysterically.’

It's thought her parent’s were allowed into the X Factor house yesterday to comfort her, and could be making regular visits to keep her spirits up. 

What are your thoughts on Katie Waissel's performances? Will the pressure get too much? Or could she go all the way? Let us know in the comments box below.

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