The Funny Factor! Louis Walsh pulls animated faces… as Lauren Platt leaves the studio in a plaid crop-top

PUBLISHED: 16:43, 14 November 2014 | UPDATED: 18:38, 14 November 2014

He has two bands left - Only The Young and Stereo Kicks - vying for the X Factor crown.

So it was little wonder Louis Walsh had a spring in his step when he headed to London's Fountain Studios for show rehearsals on Friday.

The 62-year-old judge pulled a series of funny faces and at one point held his hands up to his face before embracing singer Rylan Clark.

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Cheeky chappy: Louis Walsh showed off his humorous side when he headed to London's Fountain Studios for show rehearsals on Friday

The former X Factor contestant, who came fifth in the 2012 series, looked every inch the rockstar in a leather jacket, layered white top and undercut.

While Louis was able to muster a smile, earlier in the week it was a different story when he came to blows with fellow judge Mel B, after her contestant Paul Akister was sent home.

Mel was none too impressed and raged to The Sun, blaming Louis Walsh for ‘wimping out’ from making a decision about who should leave the competition and for taking it to deadlock.

Superstar in the making! Finalist Lauren Platt worked a plaid crop-top, comfy tracksuit trousers and metallic silver shoes

Give us a cuddle: Louis shared a warm embrace with singer Rylan Clark

Speaking to The Sun, Mel explained: ‘Paul won the sing-off hands down. I said to Louis, “I am so angry at you, come on, don’t wimp out”. He told me to shut up. I won’t tell you what I said after that.’

Unfortunately, the shock exit means Paul has just missed the cut-off to appear on the show’s tour next year. But the former Spice Girl will take action and ask show bosses - including Simon Cowell - to allow the 25-year-old crooner to take part in it.

‘He will be sorely missed if he’s not on that tour,’ she added. ‘It would be a monstrosity.’

Also in attendance was 17-year-old finalist Lauren Platt, who opted for her wardrobe staple - a plaid crop-top. She finished off her look in comfy tracksuit trousers and metallic silver shoes.

Going strong with her man! Despite the constant love rumours surrounding her, Lauren says she's in it for the long haul with boyfriend Liam Baker

Moment Mel B SHUNS Dermot after Paul is voted off X Factor

Spring in his step! The judge has Only The Young and Stereo Kicks left in the competition

Cuddles all round! Rylan looked every inch the rockstar in a leather jacket, layered white top and undercut

The talented youngster spoke to Now magazine about her boyfriend Liam Baker, 19, insisting their relationship is rock solid, despite being linked to One Direction’s Niall Horan and Charlie from Only The Young.

Lauren also revealed she had deleted Niall’s number: ‘I don't [have it] any more. After the story came out I thought it best to delete it.'

'I met him through my best friend Eve. She's a photographer and so is her dad - they do a lot of work with One Direction.'