The X Factor are reportedly set to give five contestants the boot in the first two weeks of live shows.
Viewers watched on as Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh picked their final three acts to take through to the live shows last weekend – but a handful will not have a long run on the show.
With a wildcard from each category being revealed on Saturday, it has been revealed to The Sun that ‘eliminations are going to be coming thick and fast’ in a bid to whittle down the talent for the finale in six weeks time.
Tense: The X Factor are reportedly set to give five contestants the boot in the first two weeks of live shows
Producers are said to be shaking up the X Factor format, with two of the categories performing on Sunday night, and the final two categories taking to the stage the following night.
At least one act will reportedly be sent packing at the end of each night, with a further three being axed the following week.
A source told The Sun: ‘This is set to be a very harsh introduction to The X Factor process with so many heading home so quickly.
‘Producers are still finalising the plans, even with the first live show just days away.
End of the road: Viewers watched on as Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh picked their final three acts to take through to the live shows last weekend – but a handful will not have a long run on the show
Cut-throat: With a wildcard from each category being revealed on Saturday, it has been revealed to The Sun that ‘eliminations are going to be coming thick and fast’ in a bid to whittle down the talent for the finale in six weeks time
‘But this is shaping up to be one of the most brutal series,’ it was concluded.
MailOnline has contacted representatives for The X Factor for further comment.
The X Factor is on track for it’s most tense year yet – all thanks to the highly talented contestants.
Simon will be mentoring the groups – Rak-Su, Sean Price and Conor Price and The Cutkelvin.
The last time a large number of acts were sent home in one go was six years ago, when the judging panel at the time, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, had to eliminate someone from their own category
The last time a large number of acts were sent home in one go was six years ago, when the judging panel at the time, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, had to eliminate someone from their own category
The contestants will call the mansion home until they are voted out of the competition, or the winner is announced in December
Louis has the boys – Spencer Sutherland, Sam Black and Lloyd Macey.
Nicole will be battling it out with the Overs category – Matt Linnen, Tracy Leanne Jefford and Kevin Davy White.
Sharon will be guiding the girls – Holly Tandy, Grace Davies and Rai-Elle.
Fans were also given the opportunity to vote for one wildcard contestant for each category. The votes closed on Monday 23 September.
Nicole’s Overs: Matt Linnen, Tracy Leanne Jefford and Kevin Davy White
Louis Boys’: Spencer Sutherland, Sam Black and Lloyd Macey
The last time a large number of acts were sent home in one go was six years ago, when the judging panel at the time, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, had to eliminate someone from their own category.
The last time a large number of acts were sent home in one go was six years ago, when the judging panel at the time, Gary Barlow, Louis Walsh, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa, had to eliminate someone from their own category.
The contestants will call the mansion home until they are voted out of the competition, or the winner is announced in December.
The first live show of The X Factor kicks off on Saturday October 28 at 8.20pm on ITV.
Simon’s Groups: Rak-Su, Sean Price and Conor Price and The Cutkelvin
Sharon’s girls: Holly Tandy, Grace Davies and Rai-Elle