Tulisa & Gary visit X Factor house

The Brit judges have spotted visiting their acts, while Kelly Rowland and Louis have stayed away

Judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Gary Barlow hit the X Factor house to put contestants through their paces yesterday, as competition hots up ahead of this year’s live shows.

X FACTOR 2011: MEET THE FINAL 16

Stepping out in an eye-catching orange dress, Tulisa arrived at the contestants’ posh six-bedroom pad – complete with swimming pool, gym and ‘chill room,’ no less! – with her pet rottweiler puppy in tow.

Meanwhile, Gary, who’s reportedly enlisted the help of his personal nutritionist to draw up a healthy diet for the X Factor boys, was said to be in ‘constant contact’ with his group.

But judges Kelly Rowland – who’s currently in the US – and Louis Walsh were nowhere to be seen.

With just thee days to go, the 16 lucky finalists all posed for their first batch of official photos, taking part in a press conference later in the day.

'Gary has given us a healthy eating plan and told us how to look after ourselves. Marcus Collins revealed, It’s smooth¬ies for breakfast and slow-releasing energy... snacking on almonds and things instead of sweets. He also advised us to work out and to get a lot of sleep,’

Meanwhile, controversial contestant Kitty Bruknell insisted she won’t be deterred by critics and is looking forward to the live shows.

'I don't ask that everyone likes me. I just want people who understand me to pick up the phone and vote for me. I think that's the most important thing,’ she said yesterday. ‘If I go out in the first round, at least I was myself.’

Who do YOU think will be first to leave the X Factor shows? Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.

X FACTOR 2011: MEET THE FINAL 16

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