X Factor 'wildcard' entry returns

X Factor bosses are once again to introduce a "wildcard" entry to the live stages of the show.

It is understood each of the four judges has chosen a candidate from their category who they think deserves a second chance.

Viewers will then vote on which of the acts deserves to be added to the 12 finalists for the first live edition of the series, which is screened on October 6.

The four will be unveiled on Sunday night after viewers see which of the contestants have made it through the judges' houses stage and have already been assured of a position in the live contest.

Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh have each chosen three acts to take through to the finals, plus their wildcard.

A spokeswoman for the programme, which also had a wildcard entry in 2010, would not confirm whether it was being revived again this year.

But a show source said: "We like to add new twists to the show every year and this time the public get to choose an act to be added to the competition.

"With the standard so high this year, the judges had a tough time choosing their three, so this gives another amazing act the chance to perform on The X Factor stage.

"The four acts will be unveiled on Sunday night's X Factor on ITV1 - and phone lines will be open for the public to vote for their favourite from the end of the show until midday on Saturday. The act with the most votes performs on Saturday night."

PA