Union J leave 'The X Factor'

Union J have become the ninth act to leave The X Factor.



The boyband were automatically eliminated after receiving the fewest public votes, as there was no judges' vote this week.

Band member 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 boy band!"

Union J narrowly missed out on a place in next weekend's final in Manchester, meaning that Christopher Maloney, James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas will now battle it out to be crowned winner of The X Factor 2012.

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 competiton."

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