X Factor: Simon Cowell sick of Danyl Johnson and backs Stacey Solomon

FURIOUS Simon Cowell has turned on “diva” Danyl Johnson over his behaviour in the X Factor house.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

X Factor: Brian Friedman says Dannii Minogue is a better judge than Simon

DANCE guru Brian Friedman believes Dannii Minogue has replaced Simon Cowell as the most credible judge.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

X Factor: Roadworks cause chaos at contestant's house

THE X Factor finalists have been struggling to hear themselves think after roadworks started outside their home.

Read Full Story

Have Your Shout

Get posting in the Star Forums!

You can join the debate and post your own views in the lively Daily Star Forums!

HERO COWELL HELPS ILL TOT

ABOVE: Seriously ill Sophie Atay

3rd November 2009

X FACTOR supremo Simon Cowell has teamed up with last year’s winner Alexandra Burke to help save a desperately ill girl.

Alex, 21, stepped in after hearing about the plight of Sophie Atay and rang the judge for help.

  Sophie’s parents had been trying to raise £500,000 so she can go to New York to be treated for a rare form of cancer.

  Sophie, who turns two this month, currently has only a 20% chance of surviving her stage 4 Neuroblastoma.   

But if she gets the extra help within days her chances could rocket as high as 70%.

  Fund-raisers faced a race against time as her immune system becomes ready for treatment.   

Well-wishers donated hundreds of thousands after ITV News reported her situation.   

And when Alex heard, she rang Simon, 50, and he pledged to make up any extra cash needed.   Sobbing Alex yesterday broke the news to Sophie’s delighted mum Karine, 33.

  She told her: “It’s touched me and I’ve spoken to Simon and he’s going to put the rest of the money that you need towards it to give her the treatment.

  “I really hope that she’s OK and that she’s well and she can go over there and fight it.”   Karine added: “It’s incredible. There are no words to describe how grateful I am.”