X Factor: Katie Waissel vows to survive Grannygate

Controversial contestant Katie Waissel has vowed to keep going in X-Factor, despite the People revealing that her 81-year-old Nan is selling herself.

Before her live performance last weekend, Waissel cut and dyed her hair in the hope that people would think she was a different person.

The ruse appeared to work, as despite being a public hate figure since the show started, she avoided the bottom two in the public vote.

Her joy at avoiding eviction was tempered somewhat, however, with the public revelation of her grandmother’s occupation.

Working for a website called Vintage Vamps, Sheila Vogel charges £250 for an hour of sex.

Her profile on the website reads, “Classic vamps are like fine wine and we are delighted to introduce one of our agency's great vintages, the grand dame Cecilia Bird.

“The cultured lady has recently celebrated her 80th birthday.”

A family member reportedly told the People, “This has torn the family apart. Our only hope is that it doesn't lead to more goading of Katie.”

Waissel has vowed to soldier on, however, citing Cheryl Cole as her rock.

“Cheryl was brillant," she said in an interview, "she gave me the strength to carry on in the competition.

"She knows how it feels to have negative attention and her advice was fantastic. I was very upset but she made me feel more confident. After speaking to Cheryl there was no way I would quit.”