And Then They Were Three… Wannabe Winners Survive Semi-Final And Get Set For Next Week’s X Factor Extravaganza

Union J put on a brave face last night after they crashed out of the X Factor.

The foursome, who had been the favourites to leave the semi-final, missed out on the chance to sing at this weekend’s grand final after they came bottom of the public vote.

Wannabe winners Christopher Maloney, 34, James Arthur, 24, and Jahmene Douglas, 21, all survived the final hurdle and will now perform in front of 10,000 people in Manchester.

Union J’s Josh said: “I’m so happy about what we’ve done, we’ve got so much to thank the X Factor for.”

Band member Jaymi Hensley said it had been a ‘dream’ to perform on the show.

“I can’t describe how amazing it’s been,” he said to Dermot on stage.

Mentor Louis Walsh was disappointed but, with true Louis optimism, he said: “They’re going to have an amazing future. They’re going to be the next big boyband!”

Bookies’ favourite Jahmene said: “Next week, bring it on.”

Finalist James Arthur admitted he didn’t think he had survived the public vote.

“I had a really bad feeling I wasn’t going through, I’m over the moon,” he said.

Although we’ll be sure to tune in next week to see this year’s winner, the show’s ratings continue to slump as only 8 million viewers tuned in to Saturday’s semi-final, 2.6 million down on last year.