51-year-old X Factor favourite Mary Byrne is reportedly struggling to cope with a throat infection as she attempts to rehearse for Saturday’s show.

This is the second time Mary has been ill since the live shows started. Last month she suffered with flu but managed to pick herself up and deliverable a memorable performance.

According to The Sun, Mary had to miss yesterday’s rehearsals to see a doctor after being unable to practice earlier in the week because of the strain on her vocal cords.

Louis Walsh is said to have moved the X Factor singer back to the Mayfair hotel to recuperate and rehearse without the other finalists.

A show source told the paper: “Mary isn’t well and needs proper rest.”
Early this week Mary was the only finalist not to attend a fashion show night out arranged for the contestants.