It may be off our screens for another year, but the X Factor is still prompting controversy, after thousands complained following Christina Aguilera and Rihanna's risqué performances on Saturday night's show. ITV was inundated with over one thousand complaints, while TV watchdog Ofcom heard from a further thousand disgruntled viewers.

So what's got the British public so upset?

Inspired by her new movie, Burlesque, Christina returned to her X-Tina ways and took to the stage alongside a troupe of lingerie-clad dancers who joined her in a provocative routine to her latest single.

Rihanna, meanwhile, started her performance in a demure monochrome maxi dress, only to strip it back to a strapless bra and high-waist knickers.

Now, Ofcom will need to decide whether to proceed with a full-scale investigation, or state that the performances were deemed appropriate.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Vivienne Pattison, director of TV pressure group Mediawatch UK commented, ‘I don’t think it was suitable for a pre-watershed broadcast, I think that’s quite clear. It was the simulated sexual stuff, that was the problem. I think Ofcom should look into this. Whether the X Factor like it or not they are commanding audiences of more than 19million. They are role models whether they like it or not.’

We want your thoughts! Do you think the performances were too hot for prime-time TV, or that the fuss is unjustified?

Rihanna And Aguilera Spark X Factor Complaints

Officials at the U.K.'s broadcasting standards watchdog have launched a probe into SIMON COWELL's talent show THE X FACTOR after more than a thousand outraged viewers complained about raunchy performances by RIHANNA and CHRISTINA AGUILERA.

The two pop princesses appeared on the final of the singing contest on Saturday (11Dec10), duetting with contestants as they battled it out for the title.

Later, both stars sang a song of their own - but their performances have sparked fury amid claims they were too explicit for a primetime audience.

Umbrella hitmaker Rihanna raised eyebrows when she took to the stage dressed in a bra and knickers, and Aguilera turned the heat up even more with a raunchy routine from her new movie, Burlesque.

More than 1,000 viewers complained about the performances to officials at the Office of Communications (Ofcom), and an investigation has now been launched.