The X Factor finalists are over the moon after a brutal elimination twist was axed yesterday.
This weekend was planned to see a shock quadruple elimination, with the remaining twelve acts being cut down to eight.
But yesterday it was revealed show boss Simon Cowell had changed his mind.
A show source said: “We have some great talent on the show this year. Simon thinks it’s unfair to cut the numbers so drastically when contestants are doing so well.
“Talent this year is exceptional and with fewer weeks of live shows, producers want to give them more time to shine and more time for the audiences to pick their favourites.”
A spokesperson for the show confirmed: “This weekend’s show will feature one act leaving on Saturday and one act leaving on Sunday.”
Not unsurprisingly, the news has gone down well with the acts as Rai-Elle explained: “I feel like a stress has been lifted off my shoulders.
“To be honest though, it’s not like I have to do less work. I still have to put just as much effort in. It’s just nice to think there’s less chance of me going home this weekend.”
She added to Digital Spy: “Making it this far is an achievement in itself. I’m happy I’ve made it this far, but hopefully I will stay a bit longer.”
Meanwhile, Sam Black admitted to Heat magazine he had feared his exit was all but certain before the twist was cut.
He explained: “I was definitely thinking ‘oh, I’m going,’ and there’s obviously still a good possibility I could go this week because I’m up against the girls and Lloyd [Macey].
“I feel like I’m the only one who goes out and relies on performing rather than singing, but I’m just going to do my best. It’s tough every weekend.”
> X Factor 2017 spoilers: Song choices for this weekend confirmed
Once again this week, at the end of each live show a public vote will decide which one act is immediately given the boot with the bottom two sing-off axed.
The X Factor 2017 continues this Saturday at 8:10PM and Sunday night at 7:30PM on ITV.
Guest stars will be One Direction’s Harry Styles on the Saturday and Paloma Faith on the Sunday.
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