Boy band Union J leave after X Factor receiving least amount of public votes in tense semi-final

PUBLISHED: 20:56, 2 December 2012 | UPDATED: 22:30, 2 December 2012

Boy band Union J was voted off The X Factor after receiving the least public votes.

His exit meant James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney will compete in next weekend's grand final.

Accepting their fate, bandmember Josh Cuthbert said: 'I'm so happy with how well we've done. We've got so much to thank the X Factor for.'

Farewell: Union J - Jamie Hamblett, George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert and Jaymi Hensley are voted off the X Factor

Jamie 'JJ' Hamblett praised the three finalists: 'We wanna wish the guys the best of luck.'

Their mentor Louis Walsh said: I'm a little disappointed but we were ready for it. they're going to be the next big boy band.'

Jaymi Hensley added: 'I can't describe how amazing it's been.'

Before leaving the show, the four-piece gathered for one last song - Taylor Swift's Love Story.

Gracious losers: The boy band wished their fellow contestants good luck after learning they were leaving the show

Goodnight and good luck: Union J say goodbye to Jahmene, James and Christopher

James was the first to find out he was through to next weekend's final and was jubilant as he shouted: 'Yes, come on, come on!'

Controversially, Christopher Maloney was the next to find out, leaving Union J and Jahmene looking worried.

As it was the semi-final, the judges' power was taken out of their hands with the act voted off being solely the responsibility of the public.

'Yes, come on!' James Arthur celebrates after learning he is through to the final

Controversial: Liverpudlian singer Christopher Maloney hugs his mentor Gary Barlow

Unfortunately for Union J, Jahmene was through to the finals, meaning their fate was sealed.

Meanwhile, judge Tulisa stepped out from behind the judges' table to perform her new single Sight Of You.

The singer went back to her 'urban roots' in a hooded top and leather jacket as she sang the ballad on top of a box.

When asked how she felt after the performance, she told Dermot: 'Terrifying. You enjoy it but it's still terrifying.'

You're in the final baby: Nicole hugs Jahmene Douglas after he finds out he is in the final

Her boys: Nicole Scherzinger now has two acts in the final

Judge Louis praised her performance: 'I think she was very good.'

Also performing was American pop star Pink singing her track Try.

Earlier, the contestants performed a duet with Rod Stewart of Merry Christmas Baby - the name of his new Christmas album.

Glam: The judges on-stage in their finery

Musical: Tulisa sang her new single Sight Of You, while Pink performed Try

Festive: The finalists performed Merry Christmas Baby with Rod Stewart

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