They came in their thousands to face the X Factor Judges, each one with a single dream. Some hit new highs, while others crashed and burned, and only one thing stands between them and Judges House, BOOTCAMP!

The panel had a tough job on their hands too as with 211 acts remaining and joining them in Liverpool, they only had 72 hours to find the very best and send the rest home. But before things got too serious, the contestants were all invited to the welcome party laid on by the Judges….however what they didn’t know was that across town, the stars were all meeting to discuss this year’s bootcamp and whether or not they needed to see all the singers again.

Gary Barlow told his pals that he had a number of people in mind that he was sure didn’t have enough potential to make it any further and wanted to send them home without hearing them sing again. The Take That star explained:

“We’ve got 72 hours up here for Bootcamp, it’s not long, anyone at this point we don’t feel are going to cut it, we should send them home. ”

Nicole Scherzinger wasn’t sure about Gary’s suggestion and tried to reason with him, saying:

“Obviously I was only able to be at three of the cities, so this is a great opportunity for me to review some of the auditions that I didn’t get to see.”

But the dad of three was determined and added:

“We’ve got to be brutal.”

Across town the party was in full swing, with every contestant unaware that their place at Bootcamp was hanging in the balance. Not only was there free drink and food on the go, but producers had organised some very special guests too….only the amaazing JLS!

Marvin Humes thought he’d met one of the stars of the show and exclaimed to one hopeful:

“I’m looking at an X Factor winner right here!”

Ortise offered some advice to the wannabes saying:

“This is an opportunity that comes once in a lifetime, so you have to make sure you take it with both hands, you know who wants it the most, and it’s who wants it the most that will get it.”

The contestants may have partied hard but for some of them their bootcamp experience was over before it began as the next morning Nicole informed them:

“Day one of Bootcamp, we are cutting a third of our contestants, they don’t even get a chance to sing again.”

Speaking backstage, Barlow added:

“We’ve made a good call today and it gives the other two thirds of people who are a left a good chance of learning something going forward in this competition.”

Louis mused:

“I know we are doing the right thing, I know it’s tough, but that’s show business.”

Tune into the X Factor tonight, to see who made the grade and who was sent home. Who do you think is safe? Leave your comments below….

Meanwhile, as we prepare for the bootcamp and judges houses episodes of the show to air over the next two weekends, Unreality TV have put together out predictions for his year’s X Factor final 24. Have a look and tell us if you agree!

Are you excited? Who do you think will shine at bootcamp? Leave your comments below…