It’s been reported today that X Factor boy band One Direction WILL sing live on the show this Saturday…

And former winner Leona Lewis is set to perform during Sunday night’s results show, which, if the recent rumour about her dating One Direction singer Liam Payne are true – and it seems some media outlets say it’s not true, while others insist it is – then behind the scenes rehearsals could be somewhat awkward.

However, of bringing out the “big guns” by hiring One Direction and Leona for the first of this year’s live shows, Simon Cowell and X Factor bosses are apparently hoping to see the first real boost in viewer ratings this weekend.

The ratings have been somewhat down on last years, and despite some improvement, the show is still not attracting as many viewers as ITV and Simon Cowell had hoped it would…

And of course, this weekend will see the show competing for viewers with the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, even though the two shows won’t air at the same time.

However, of One Direction’s appearance on this weekend’s show, the Mirror states, “The boys will be interviewed by Dermot O’Leary and will also hand out advice to the acts backstage about performing live for the first time on the huge stage at London’s Fountain Studios in Wembley.”

I wonder if Caroline Flack will get to interview the 1D boys on Xtra Factor? Because of course, she previously dated Harry Styles, so that could potentially be another awkward moment!

A show source said, “X Factor is where is all began for One Direction so it makes sense for them to come back and perform.

“Making an appearance on Saturday means they are the secret weapon that could tip the balance in the ratings war.

“They’ve also said they’ll act like extra mentors backstage for this first weekend.

“Strictly have got some big names, but nothing as big as One Direction.

“It is going to be a colourful and action-packed first show and we are confident everyone will be talking about The X Factor after Saturday night.”

As to what they’ll be singing on Saturday, it seems that they won’t be singing their new single Live While We’re Young, but the Mirror states that they are expected to “at a later date.”

Don’t forget that we have a pair of 1D concert tickets to give away for FREE here at Unreality TV. Just click here to enter our competition.