The X Factor semi finalists were said to be feeling the pressure this week and backstage was reportedly a bit of a war ground before Saturday’s live show.

Insiders report that the four remaining contestants had some trouble biting their tongue and holding their tempers as they struggled with song choice, illness and the thought of being eliminated.

An X Factor source told The Daily Star: “It might have been all smiles in front of the cameras but it was a different story backstage.

“Nerves were really playing havoc with them all. There was a lot of bickering and back-biting about the songs which had been selected.

“Several of the contestants were far from happy with their choices.

“Olly and Danyl hadn’t been in the best of humour all week.

“Meanwhile, Stacey also seemed to be struggling with her toothache.

“Only Joe appeared to rise above it all and just got on with performing his songs. But the fact that he was praised by all the judges caused even more backstage tension.

“It’s the hardest week of all because the contestants know one will miss out on the final.”