Showbiz Arabia: Has Wael Kfoury had enough and quit X Factor Arabia?

He’s not been having the best of times on the show, so has Wael Kfoury had enough and quit X Factor Arabia?

Following last Saturday’s live programme, the Lebanese singer and show judge took to his official Twitter (@Kfourywael) to post: “I officially announce my resignation from X Factor Arabia”, after which fans overloaded the show’s official website to express their shock.

“That can’t be true - how can he leave in the middle of the series?,” one wrote, with another saying: “Wael, you are the best judge on the show - please stay for your contestants.”

It has been a testing time for Kfoury, who has not hidden the fact that he has not been enjoying being part of the panel, which also includes Carole Samaha, Elissa and Hussein Al Jasmi.

Not only was the singer’s live performance cut mid-song on a recent episode to introduce contestant Adham El Nabulsy instead, show producers also apparently forced Kfoury to eliminate Salwa El Anouf, even though he wanted to go to Dead Lock and let the audience decide. Rumours of him storming off set due to decisions he “doesn’t agree with” also haven’t helped.

What’s interesting is that Kfoury’s Twitter announcement is the last thing he has posted until time of going to print, which was on 4 May. Therefore, his account definitely hasn’t been hacked, because he would have been quick to verify the false news.

In a turn of events, however, production company Media Plus released a statement confirming that they have talked Kfoury into staying until the end of the season.

“Yes, the singer did announce his withdrawal from the show, and was even ready to pay the penalty stated in his countract if he was to leave halfway through the season,” it said. “However, he has decided to stay on to support Palestinian contestant Adham El Nabulsy.”

Whether this is true, fans will just have to wait and tune in this Friday. But Showbiz Arabia very much doubts he will be back for Season Two.

NIBS

Mabrook to Tamer Hosny who has welcomed the arrival of a baby girl!

The Egyptian star, who was expecting his first child with Moroccan singer Basma Boussel, took to his social media pages to make the happy announcement.

“I thank God for the most precious gift I have ever received: Taliyah Tamer Hosny. I love you Basma, God protects you for us,”

He went on to explain that the meaning of his daughter’s name is special as it “means someone who constantly recites the Quran.”

Honsy will be performing live in Dubai later on this month. Tickets are still available for his show, which will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 24 May.

Two of Egypt’s most popular funnymen are teaming up this Ramadan.

Bassem Youssef has confirmed he will guest star on Season Three of comedy actor Ahmed Mekky’s hit series, El Kebeer Awi.

Satirical TV presenter Youssef - who was recently named as one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential personalities of 2013 - will appear as himself alongside the characters played by Mekky, Donia Samir Ghanem, Mohamed Shahine and Hesham.

Meanwhile, Donia’s actor parents - Samir Ghanem and Dalal Abdel Aziz - will appear in the show this year as well.

Arabia Online

“I cannot wait to play you my new tracks - check out my new album Hob Gamed this month!”

-Moroccan singer Jannat is back on the scene!

“My 60’s look [on the X Factor] was inspired by one of my favorite TV series #MadMen”

-Lebanese singer Elissa (‏@elissakh)