X Factor 'twist' revealed ahead of live shows

Want to know what unexpected surprise is on its way? Find out HERE!

It wouldn’t be the X Factor without some sort of show surprise. And after warning viewers to expect a huge 'twist' during week one of the 2011 live shows, bosses have kept us guessing as to what on earth it could be.

Now this weekend’s special surprise has finally been revealed – and it looks set to cause all sorts of storms when the second show airs on Sunday.

Instead of going to a public vote, the four judges will be asked to send one of their own acts home, eliminating a quarter of the contestants in just one hit.

X FACTOR 2011: MEET THE FINAL 16

Tulisa, Kelly, Gary and Louis will each eliminate an act, putting just three of their chosen contestants through to next week’s live shows.

This comes as bosses say they are determined to keep this year’s show ‘fresh’ and want to make sure the final 16 ‘step up a gear during the live shows’.

It’s thought the contestants were all informed of the shock news yesterday, with Gary telling the boys: ‘It's all going to feel very different on Saturday.’

‘There's going to be no public vote, instead each judge must vote off one of their acts,’ the Take That singer warned.

‘This is the X Factor stage. It's one thing singing by the pool but it all changes here. This is where stars are born, like Leona [Lewis]. It's all going to feel very different on Saturday.’

Meanwhile, Tulisa told the groups: ‘Please understand all of you that none of us have made our decision. It's a clean slate and we are making our decision as if we have never seen you before.’ Eeek!

Who do YOU think will go during this weekend’s live shows? Let us know in the comments box below!

X FACTOR 2011: BEHIND THE SCENES

X FACTOR 2011: MEET THE FINAL 16