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8 X Factor secrets we uncovered at the Quarter Finals

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

From Digital Spy

There are so many conspiracy theories around The X Factor – is it fixed? Do the judges secretly hate each other? Are the contestants dating one another? So we jumped at the chance when we were invited to London's H2 Studios for last Saturday's (November 18) live show.

We couldn't wait to get stuck in and unearth some juicy behind-the-scenes gossip. As you can imagine, we kept a close eye on everything going on around us. The result? Well, we weren't disappointed…

1. Just because you have a ticket doesn't mean you're getting in

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

The X Factor live shows are ridiculously popular. If we described the size of the queue we saw waiting outside the studios, you'd probably think we were exaggerating. As we walked past the long line of people, there were a lot of disappointed faces. Why? Well, it turns out that just because you have a ticket, doesn't mean you're getting in.

On the Applause Store website, it clearly states that "all entrance is served on a first come first served basis". Unfortunately, we're guessing a few people that turned up late on Saturday didn't read that part. So if you want to guarantee your place in the audience, our advice is to make sure you arrive early.

2. There are surprise celebs in the audience

Photo credit: Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty Images

For some reason, this wasn't shown on TV, but sat in the VIP area during Saturday's show, hidden behind the judges, was a very familiar face: Love Island's Montana Brown.

The reality star was dressed to the nines and appeared to be with her manager. Now, rumour has it she and Matt Terry are secretly dating – but while we can't confirm or deny anything, does anyone else think it's a bit of a coincidence that the one night Montana attended the live shows was when her rumoured boyfriend was performing?

3. Simon gave a secret standing ovation

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

There was one standing ovation you didn't see on Saturday night. During one of the VTs, you might have noticed Simon's son Eric made a very cute cameo as he stepped in for voiceover man Peter Dickson. The 3-year-old opened the show with the famous X Factor line: "It's time to face the music!"

Usually, Simon is hesitant to give a standing ovation to anyone. But when his son was on-screen, TV's former Mr Nasty was up out of his chair with a huge smile on his face as he watched his little boy in action.

What a softie!

4. The hidden VIP bar

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

When you arrive at The X Factor studios, you're given one of two wristbands. One is VIP, the other is standard. If you're lucky enough to have bagged yourself the former, you'll have exclusive access to a secret, hidden bar that the rest of the audience is kept in the dark about.

At the VIP bar, you'll find a red carpet, lots of alcohol and the contestants casually having a laugh with their families and friends once the show finishes. If it's not too busy, you might even catch Dermot O'Leary or one of the judges.

5. Kevin's unexpected diva moment

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

He may be the sweetest guy in the competition, but Mr Davy White loves a bit of attention. After the show finished on Saturday, he strutted out to the front of the stage while all the other contestants chatted among themselves. He then started walking across the platform as though he were performing, and began waving to the audience.

It was a tad odd but, to be fair, we found it pretty hilarious – particularly as Kevin didn't even perform on Saturday. Was he even supposed to be on stage?!

6. Simon's got a new bad habit

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Firstly, we have to say we're impressed with Simon for managing to cut down from 80 cigarettes a day to just two – well done, Mr Cowell! He's now turned to a much healthier alternative to beat his addiction: vaping.

We know this because he was running very late on Saturday, way behind all of the other judges. When he finally turned up, we spotted him squeezing in as many puffs on his e-cigarette as he could before the cameras panned in on him.

In fact, as he walked through the audience, he was still exhaling several puffs of smoke, which probably would have looked quite odd to anyone who hadn't seen him using an e-cig seconds earlier.

But Simon made up for being late. As he hurried up to the judging panel, he shook hands with as many fans as possible, putting a huge smile on a lot of people's faces.

7. The live-show mobile-phone ban is not to be messed with

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Security is super strict at the X Factor live shows. Before you're even allowed into the studios, you have to walk through a metal detector and then have your bag searched. Once you're inside the venue, you'll find a scary-looking member of security carefully monitoring every section of the audience.

One rule X Factor takes very seriously is the mobile phone ban. Your phone must be turned off and tucked away in your bag. If a member of security catches you using it, you'll be chucked out. Eliminated X Factor finalist Talia Dean was caught holding her phone on Saturday and let's just say security were not impressed.

8. X Factor's real unsung hero

You won't have ever seen this guy on The X Factor before, as he's doing his thing way before the show starts airing, but let us assure you that the show wouldn't work without him. It's the warm-up guy that keeps everyone entertained in the meantime – as well as during every ad break.

He had us in stitches with his inappropriate jokes in between handing out X Factor merchandise and winding up the judges. Frustratingly, we never caught his name, but ITV, you need to give this guy some air time…

The X Factor is on ITV, Saturdays and Sundays.


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