X Factor hopeful Nikitta eliminated

Scottish teenager Nikitta Angus has become the sixth act to be eliminated from the X Factor show.

This week’s special guest star was Spanish crooner Julio Iglesias, who offered the finalists tips on fine-tuning their love songs.

It was an emotional week all round for the contestants, who were allowed a fleeting visit home to see their families.

But it ended badly for tutor Simon Cowell, who was embarrassed to have to choose between two of his own acts in the final vote.

Cowell could only shake his head in a rare moment of speechlessness before muttering: “I don’t get it.”

Nikitta and 18-year-old Liverpool student and actor Raymond Quinn had to return to the stage to perform their songs for a second time in a last-ditch duel to remain on the show last night.

Ray gave an energetic performance of Queen’s Crazy Little Thing Called Love, but Nikitta’s rendition of Donna Summer’s Last Dance was not enough to win her another week.

Sharon Osbourne voted to eliminate Nikitta with Louis Walsh opting for Ray.

Cowell left the two in suspense, before turning to them and saying: “Right, I’ve just changed my mind. The act I am sending home tonight is Nikitta.”

The gracious 17-year-old, who was set to audition for last year’s show when she was knocked over by a car on her way to the studio, smiled and said: “I still feel I had a lot to give, but thank you.”

The winner of the ITV show will be awarded a life-changing record contract by Christmas.