X Factor Set To Get Shaken Up As Final Shows Approach

As the X Factor judges prepare to whittle down the hundreds of hopefuls they said yes to at the auditions, it has been reported that the only 12 hopefuls will make it through to the live finals as Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh will only be allowed to take through three acts each.

Having upped the number of hopefuls the judges could each take last year to four with one out of the four in each category being axed without the public vote, The Sun has reported that this year's final will go back to only having three acts in each of the categories.

In a bid to increase ratings for the show, which will see it's live shows kick off on the same night as the first live show of Strictly Come Dancing, it is thought that Simon Cowell has lined up the likes of super successful X Factor winner Leona Lewis and US star Ne-Yo to entertain the judges and audience during the live shows.

Who will the judges pick to be in their top three? (ITV Pictures)

Revealing that Brian Friedman will be returning to the UK version to work on the shows, an insider said:

"Producers know they are under pressure to make the live shows even better than last year.

“Brian is taking personal control of things and is determined to pull everything out of the bag. The sudden death elimination stunt won’t happen this year after viewers complained it was too harsh.

“Having fewer finalists from the start also means viewers will get to know those who are left much better and hopefully build bonds with them. Other twists haven’t been ruled out, though.”

Ooh we can't wait! Can you?

This weekend will see the bootcamp stage take place. Have you picked out your favourites?

Which category will win this year?

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