Time up for Eton Road on 'X Factor'

Eton Road have failed to make it through to The X Factor final four after a head-to-head showdown with Ben.

Once again both of Simon's acts - Leona and Ray - made it through on the strength of viewer votes, as did the MacDonald Brothers.

As expected, Louis and Sharon sided with their respective acts, although a tearful Sharon expressed regret at having to send home Eton Road.

The final decision thus rested with Simon, who claimed to face a dilemma over who to keep and who to kick out.

"There is a certain irony to this tonight after some of the things that were written in the press this week," he said. "As a mentor, do I protect my artist against who I believe could be the biggest threat, or do I keep in the person I believe to be the most talented?"

Simon had earlier criticised Eton Road's performance of 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight?', accusing Louis of neglecting the group in favour of the MacDonald Brothers.

Louis insisted that he would continue to back Eton Road despite their axe, telling them: "Boys I believe in you and I'm going to prove that in the next twelve months."

Click here to read Dek's verdict on the result.