Spencer Sutherland is the first act booted off The X Factor as Cheryl returns to the live shows after Simon Cowell’s horror fall

SPENCER Sutherland was the first act to be voted off The X Factor during the first live show tonight.

He looked stunned when Dermot O’Leary called out his name and said he would be leaving the competition.

Despite his stunning rendition of Jessie J's Who You Are, it wasn’t enough to save the US singer who didn’t inspire viewers to vote.

He told Dermot O’Leary: “I just want to thank everybody so much.

“I want to thank the UK for taking me on with open arms.

“It means a lot. I want to thank you guys so much - thank you Louis.

“I want to thank all my friends [the other contestants] up there. Thank you so much.”

Grace Davies fared much better however as she was voted the best act of the night, with the chance of winning the first prize of the series - a dream holiday in New York.

The first live show of the series was rocked following the news that Simon Cowell would not be there following his horror fall on Friday night.

Simon’s presence was missed on the night, with host Dermot giving a nod to his absent boss at the start of the show.

He said at the start of the show: “One judge is missing, Simon was taken to hospital yesterday, he is doing fine.

“He's watching the show and we want to say, get well soon boss.”

The Sun revealed on Friday how 58-year-old Simon was rushed to hospital after fainting and falling down the stairs at his home in London.

The accident happened after Simon had woken up feeling dizzy.

As he went downstairs to get himself a drink Simon lost consciousness and fell backwards on the flight of steps.

After undergoing tests he returned home and confirmed he would miss the show tonight but would return tomorrow to watch his category perform.

Fans had hoped Cheryl may step in for Simon tonight after she arrived at the studios this evening.

But the new mum was just on hand to support her boyfriend Liam Payne, who was singing live on the show.

Her moment in the spotlight was hijacked however as an over eager fan took the spotlight away from her.

Liam's performance went down a treat and viewers praised his energetic performance on the show.

Before going on stage the former One Direction star said he couldn't wait to get up in front of the crowds as a solo artist.

Before taking to the stage for his performance, he made sure to give a warning to Rak-Su singer Myles, who previously admitted to having a crush on Cheryl.

Looking for him in the crowd and pointing, Liam told Dermot: “He fancies my missus so I’ve got to keep an eye on him!”

In the style stakes, all eyes were on Nicole who wowed in a jaw-dropping gown.

It didn't go down well with everyone however, with some fans comparing her to a Quality Street sweet.

This year’s live shows have been cut from ten to six with acts voted off on both Saturdays and Sundays

In just one of many shake ups this year, Simon discourage novelty acts like Honey G, who came fifth last year.

A source told The Sun: “They don’t want the show to be a laughing stock again like it was with Honey G.”

Simon also confirmed that he had axed the jukebox gimmick.

Speaking at auditions in July, he said: “All these crazy things we used to do with themes have gone, no more jukeboxes, none of that rubbish this year.

“The public are smart enough to know what’s real, that’s what we are focusing on this year.”

Show bosses have also revamped the format this year by letting fans backstage.

Special tickets will allow audience members to “rub shoulders” with hopefuls in a special holding room before they even perform. It's not yet officially been announced how fans can get tickets.

The show is encouraging contestants to sing their own songs this year.

A source told the Mirror: "Simon knows he can’t change the format too much but one thing he and the contestants can change is what’s sung.

“If there’s lots of new material it could attract a new audience.”