This is the extraordinary moment an X Factor contestant fell backwards off the stage while singing for his place in the competition.
Singer Tommy Ludford, 20, was performing during the ‘Six Chair challenge’ round of the ITV talent show when he lost his footing and dramatically tumbled off set.
The moment, which will air on tonight’s episode, left Simon Cowell and his fellow judges open-mouthed in shock – and prompted panicked host Dermot O’Leary to rush to Tommy’s aide.
Singer Tommy Ludford, 20, was performing during the ‘Six Chair challenge’ round of the ITV talent show (pictured) when he lost his footing and dramatically tumbled off set
The extraordinary moment, pictured, which will air on tonight’s episode, saw Tommy fall backwards off the stage and into the pit below the set
Fortunately the singer was back on his feet just moments later and triumphantly raised an arm in the air to let the worried audience – and his fellow contestants – know he was uninjured.
The clip was shared on the X Factor YouTube channel ahead of tonight’s episode.
The programme will see the contestants compete for a place in the next stage of the competition, where they will travel to the judges’ houses to sing for a place in the live finals.
Among those hoping to make the cut is singer-songwriter Tommy, who said a place at judges’ houses would be ‘life-changing’.
He chose a ballad, Dipping Biscuits, for the pivotal performance and confidently launched into the song, accompanying himself on the guitar.
Cutting a casual figure in jeans, a jumper and a baseball hat, Tommy impressed the crowd with the opening chords of his song.
Judges Robbie Williams (far left) and Ayda Field (centre left) stood up after watching the fall, while Louis Tomlinson (second right) and Simon Cowell (far right) were open-mouthed in shock
Former One Direction star Louis, pictured, was concerned for Tommy’s well-being after watching him plummet off the back of the stage
The stage, pictured, was left empty as crew and host Dermot O’Leary rushed behind to check on the talent show contestant
Audience members could be seen clasping their mouths in shock after the dramatic fall
During the first guitar solo, Tommy looked down at his instrument and began to walk backwards, unaware that he was slowly approaching the edge of the X-shaped platform.
In a split-second the contestant fell off the stage and into the stage pit behind.
Married judges Robbie Williams and Ayda Field immediately stood up and strained to get a better look at the pit where Tommy had fallen.
Tommy was not seriously injured and was back on his feet in moments, raising his hand in the air triumphantly to let the audience know he was okay
Crew and presenter Dermot O’Leary, pictured centre right, were seen checking on Tommy, centre, following the tumble. The contestant was back on his feet within moments
Fellow judges Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell were similarly concerned, clutching their hands to their mouths as they waited for news on his condition.
Meanwhile presenter Dermot O’Leary raced behind the stage with crew to check on Tommy.
A brief shot shows former One Direction star Louis crossing the stage, suggesting he also went to Tommy’s side.
Relieved contestants and audience members gave Tommy a round of applause as he got to his feet. It is not known if he continued with his performance.
The X Factor returns tonight 8pm on ITV