First X Factor live show theme revealed and it’s NOT Halloween

It’s the first X Factor live show this weekend and a theme has been chosen.

While it’s Halloween soon, we don’t need to wonder which unlucky contestant will be coated head to toe in gold paint.

This year, The X Factor live shows will kick off with an “Express Yourself” theme.

Not the most shocking of choices for the opening week – in fact, it’s the exact same as last year and seems no different to 2015’s “This Is Me” theme – but there you go.

However while the theme may be the same the live shows are expected to be very different.

It’s understood that contestants will be split over Saturday and Sunday night shows with eliminations both nights.

Plus, today a brand new sing off twist was revealed.

A total of 16 acts have made it through to the live shows, the joint biggest line up to date.

They include Simon’s Groups Rak-Su, The CutKelvins and Sean and Conor Price, Sharon’s Girls Grace Davies, Rai-Elle Williams and Holly Tandy, Louis’ Boys Lloyd Macey, Spencer Sutherland and Sam Black and Nicole’s Overs Kevin Davy White, Matt Linnen and Tracy Leanne Jefford.

However they won’t be alone in the competition with four more acts still to join them.

This week viewers had the chance to vote in four wild card acts, selecting one extra contestant in each category who was sent home at judges’ houses to make the live shows.

The results of the wild card vote will be revealed at the start of Saturday’s live show.

The X Factor will be live on Saturday at 8:20PM and return Sunday at 7PM with the first weekend of live singing.