³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ

X Factor contender Goldie Cheung has pulled out of the show, despite getting though to the judges' houses stage.

Her withdrawal means another reject will replace her in the over-25s group, mentored by Louis Walsh.

"I have decided to withdraw from the competition because I knew I would miss my family so much," the 48-year-old said after announcing her decision.

"I wish all the finalists the best of luck and look forward to watching them every week."

Hong Kong-born Cheung made a name for herself in the first episode of this series when she overcame her nerves to put on an eccentric performance of Proud Mary.

It ended with her wrapping her leg around Take That singer Gary Barlow's neck.

"The X Factor has been a fantastic experience and very challenging for me at times," she added.

"I was very grateful to Louis for offering me a place in the final."

Goldie Cheung lives in Lancashire with her husband and two children.

On Sunday night's show she won passage through to the final stage of auditions.

Had she remained, she would have been seen competing against seven other contestants in the over-25 category to impress mentor Louis Walsh and make it through to the live shows.

Walsh said: "It was such a shame Goldie had to pull out of the competition.

"I thought she had great potential to entertain viewers in the live shows.

"But it has given someone else an amazing opportunity and although it was a hard decision of who to replace her with, I am pleased with my choice."