Ofcom investigates "X Factor" complaints

LONDON (Reuters) - Telephone voting in "The X Factor" final is to be investigated by Ofcom after hundreds of people complained. About 700 people lodged complaints after failing to get through to cast their vote in Saturday's final.

Singer Leon Jackson surprised the bookmakers by winning the fourth series of the TV reality show, beating the runaway favourite Rhydian Roberts.

"We are now investigating," a spokeswoman for Ofcom said. "It is related to voting and the conduct of voting on the 'X Factor.'

"Once an investigation begins we cannot go into further detail."

Jackson, a jazz-influenced crooner who used to work in a clothes shop, had been expected to lose to Roberts, 25, from Wales.

Ladbrokes said the upset had saved them from a huge payout.

"Leon's win is the biggest shock in the history of reality TV betting," said spokesman Nick Weinberg. "He will definitely be top of our Christmas card list."

The 18-year-old Jackson won a million-pound recording contract with the victory.

In the final show, Jackson sang "White Christmas", "You Don't Know Me" and "Better the Devil You Know", a duet which he performed with Australian singer Kylie Minogue.

(Reporting by Avril Ormsby; Editing by Steve Addison)