The X Factor has been criticised by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom over a swear word used by contestant Frankie Cocozza on a live show.

The show, which was originally shown on October 23 last year, attracted 108 complaints, reports the BBC.

Sister show the Xtra Factor apologised 44 minutes after the incident occured, in which Cocozza said: "F***ing have it. Get in there."

However, Ofcom have ruled that TV bosses should have been more swift in dealing with the swearing.

Channel Television, who deals with the "legal compliance" of the X Factor, is said to have claimed that the swear word wasn't heard at the time by the TV production crew due to the noise in the studio. They added:

"Had we appreciated that the comment was audible to viewers, we would have asked [presenter] Dermot O'Leary to make an immediate apology."