Since The X-Factor returned to our screens in August, the series has been plagued by controversy. There have been cat-fights, hook-ups and hate campaigns – but the most enduring drama of all has been gossip the competition is not as fair as it seems.

For months there have been rumours the competition is rigged, with fans calling “BS” over shock eliminations such as What About Tonight. The gossip gained traction when Jessica Mauboy and Stan Walker, Australian Idol runner-up and winner respectively, took to Twitter to cry foul following the elimination of Fourtunate.

Now with the finale just days away, whispers the winner has already been determined have reached a dull roar. “Wow, Sony posted the winner of X factor 2012, The Collective on their website and Deleted it after realizing. That’s how rigged X factor is,” tweeted a fan. “The Collective were decided as the winners before the show even aired,” wrote another. “Waste of money for the people that voted. It’s rigged.”

While there’s no trace of the alleged announcement online, it’s obvious The Collective are destined for big things. “Boy bands are having a renaissance right now,” says an industry source. “Of course people will try to emulate the success of One Direction.” Sources say The X-Factor creator Simon Cowell was adamant about getting an Australian version of One Direction and urged producers to find five male singers who would be willing to form a boy band on the show.

Read more about the claims in this week's Woman’s Day on sale Monday November 12, 2012.