Four of Diamonds replace axed Brooks Way in X Factor live shows
The band were previously sent home at judges' houses
IT’s not a shock that X Factor bosses yesterday were left with no choice but to axe BROOKS WAY.
JOSH BROOKS was suspended after claims he hit his ex-girlfriend – meaning he and twin brother KYLE were not allowed to perform this weekend.
And now girl group FOUR OF DIAMONDS, who LOUIS WALSH didn’t pick at judges’ houses, are set to be parachuted in to take their place.
It comes after he was left with only one group – 5 After Midnight – when BRATAVIO were voted off on Sunday.
An insider revealed: “Louis really liked the girls but was under a lot of pressure to put through Bradley and Ottavio because they were deemed to be great entertainment.
“He was torn by the decision so for them to be given a second chance is great. He was getting a bit worried because he was stood up on stage at the end of Sunday’s show with only one act.”
Louis said: “At the time a lot of viewers were disappointed that I didn’t put the girls through, now that a place has opened up in my category, I’ve listened to the fans and am delighted to be bringing the girls back.
“They’re a great girl group and I’m hoping will take me all the way to the final.”
Four of Diamonds added: “We are so excited to be back on The X Factor we’re really looking forward to performing live, working hard and showing everyone what we’re made of.’
Last night X Factor bosses were frantically checking trademarks against the girls’ band name after 5 AFTER MIDNIGHT, Bradley and Ottavio and Brooks Way all had to change their names.
The shuffle came into action on Saturday after The Sun On Sunday told producers Josh’s ex Amelia Clarke, 18, revealed she was left “black and blue” by him when he allegedly broke her nose.
The 17-year-old twins yesterday released a statement about their axing. It read: “By mutual consent, we feel like it was best to walk away from the show this year.”
Josh added: “I would like to apologise to everyone involved. And would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support and love.”
Meanwhile Bratavio announced yesterday they want to go on Celeb Big Brother next after also appearing on Coach Trip, Judge Rinder and Towie.
They might as well complete the reality TV set.
Who are Four of Diamonds?
Four of Diamonds are a quartet comprising of Caroline, 19, Lauren, 21, Yasmin, 17 and Sophia, 19.
They were given a second chance after being called in to replace axed duo Brooks Way, who lost their place on the show amid claims Josh had hit his ex girlfriend.
Simon and the judges were impressed with their original audition piece - Meghan Trainor's hit single No - and proved to be strong contenders during the bootcamp process of the show.
They passed the six chair challenge with Stop by Jamelia and were taken through to Louis's Judges house in Ibiza as the final six choices - however he failed to pick them for his final three.
On the announcement the girls were returning after Brooks Way were axed, Louis said: “At the time a lot of viewers were disappointed that I didn’t put the girls through, now that a place has opened up in my category, I’ve listened to the fans and am delighted to be bringing the girls back.
“They’re a great girl group and I’m hoping will take me all the way to the final.”
Steve has new lock
STEPHEN MERCHANT seems to have taken inspiration from pal KARL PILKINGTON for his current look.
The new Crystal Maze host looks almost unrecognisable sporting a shaven head in a promo for the show’s revival.
But in fact The Extras star shaved off his locks for his part as a scientist in the new Wolverine film, titled Logan, then opted to stay bald in homage to previous Maze host RICHARD O’BRIEN.
Stephen’s style is almost as dramatic as when brunette contestant MICHELLE KEEGAN bleached her locks for her role in the upcoming Bobby and Tina.
She’ll join SARA COX, JONNIE PEACOCK, JOSH WIDDICOMBE and RIO FERDINAND in the maze for the one-off show on Channel 4 at 9pm on Sunday.
I can’t wait.
It's Bear distills
BEAR GRYLLS is known for drinking his own wee on his survival show.
But he will have something better to taste now, after investing in a gin firm.
He has bought 2,000 shares in the London Distillery Company, which makes the Dodd’s, Fortnum & Mason and Kew gins.
Bear is currently performing in his new acrobatic stage-show, Endeavour, where he dangles hundreds of feet above audiences on a high wire.
The show kicked off in London last week and heads to Glasgow’s SSE Hydro tonight.
If he drinks too much gin, he will be a Bear with a sore head.