Insiders have accused X Factor bosses of fixing Saturday night’s show, in an effort to keep John and Edward Grimes on the show.

John and Edward were reportedly supposed to be opening the show, which is a notoriously bad spot when it comes to winning votes, however just before the show aired the boys were bumped to the second last slot on the show. In the end, the boys performed just 10 minutes before voting lines opened.

Last night an X Factor spokeswoman told The Daily Star: “It’s true that the running order was changed on Saturday but this has happened before.

“Often after a dress rehearsal the producers may decide to alter the running order to change the pace of the show or for technical reasons if an act is doing a big stage number and time is needed to set it up.

“The fact that John and Edward sang towards the end of the show means nothing.

“Danyl was in a similar position last week and he ended up in the sing-off.”