No longer Sam's game in 'Pop Idol'

Once again the unpredictably of Pop Idol 2 has struck, eliminating bookies favourite Sam Nixon from the competition.

In the highest vote of the series so far - some 3.75 million votes - Sam polled lowest by a margin of just 4%, securing both Michelle and "dark horse" Mark the places in next Saturday's final.

Despite the end being so near in sight, none of the three had received particularly inspiring comments from the judges; Simon told Sam and Michelle that they had given their weakest performances of the entire competition whilst Foxy criticised Mark for being "too cabaret."

Next week Mark and Michelle will embark upon a "campaign trail" of the country to win support, beginning in their home towns before working their way back to London.

Ant, Dec and Kate Thornton will host the marathon three-hour live final next Saturday beginning at 6.45pm.