X Factor: Union J leave after receiving least amount of public votes

Boy band Union J were voted off The X Factor on Sunday night after receiving the least public votes, leaving James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney to compete in next weekend’s grand final.

Speaking after the result, bandmember Josh Cuthbert said: “I’m so happy with how well we’ve done. We’ve got so much to thank the X Factor for.”

Jaymi Hensley continued: “This has been our dream to be on this show. Being here now, performing… I can’t describe how amazing it’s been.”

Mentor Louis Walsh added: “I’m a little bit disappointed, but they’re going to have an amazing future. They’re the next big boyband!”

Speaking of progressing to the final, Arthur said: “I had a really bad feeling I wasn’t going through. I’m over the moon, it’s crazy.”

Maloney added: “I’m just so grateful for everyone who has picked up the phone and voted for me and the support they’ve given me throughout the competition.”

The X Factor final kicks off next Saturday (December 8) at 8pm on ITV1.