The X Factor finalists felt either the elation or pain of the final stages of the competition this weekend, as Sam Lavery became the latest competitor to crash out of the show.

Former contestant Olly Murs, who became the runner-up in 2009 and went on to host the show last year, performed his new track, Grow Up, whilst viewers eagerly waited to see if Ryan, Emily or Sam would be named as the last act to be saved from the sing-off, alongside Matt, Saara, Honey G and Five After Midnight – the sole remaining group in the competition.

As Emily was eventually declared safe, Sam and Ryan were ultimately unable to raise enough votes to see them through to next week, and had to face each other in the nail-biting sing-off.

Sam, who received criticism in yesterday’s Disco-themed extravaganza for choosing a seemingly non-disco track with a slowed-down version of Gloria Gaynor’s I Will Survive, performed a take on Mary J Blige’s No More Pain.

behind in #xfactor and watching the sing off and Ryan just makes me snore.I really hope Sam goes through But the boys always get picked

— Sarah Blanc (@sarahblanc) November 13, 2016

Hold on did Sharon send home the wrong act. #XFactor she has no idea who's on stage. Ryan the boy, Sam is the girl Sharon!!

— Judy (@Judyinrichmond) November 13, 2016

Gutted for Sam, sadly the song choices let her down. I love her tone, she should've gone further. I think her judge let her down #XFactor

— Shaza B (@scrunchieshaz) November 13, 2016

In contrast, Ryan opted for a more upbeat version of the beloved Oasis number Stop Crying Your Heart Out, showing a much-improved performance compared with some of his earlier stages in the competition.

With the judges at deadlock having cast two votes for each contestant, it was left to the final numbers of the public vote to conclude that Sam would be sent home, as Ryan survived just long enough to take him safely into next week’s show.

Wow, Ryan is like the comeback kid. If I'm honest out of the two, he did deserve it from his sing off performance #XFactor

— Shaza B (@scrunchieshaz) November 13, 2016

#XFactor Ryan should sing always like when he is afraid of going home ! But still isn't good enough to be better than Sam

— 💎 (@HomeIsLarry28) November 13, 2016

i can't believe @SamLavery_ is going out!!!!! wow just wow!!!!! such a great voice 😔 #XFactor

— Elëven (@___Yasmine____) November 13, 2016

And if you’re wondering what theme that episode will take on, it might be time to dig out the Hollywood bling because the five remaining acts will battle it out with songs from – you’ve guessed it – movies.

Roll on next weekend…