Friend misses out on X Factor final

Luke Friend has been knocked out of 'The X Factor'.

The 17-year-old student came third in the series after being voted off the show last night, leaving Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald to battle it out in tonight's final.

Upon being told he was leaving the show - after performing 'Anything Could Happen' with singer Ellie Goulding and Fun's 'We Are Young' - he told host Dermot O'Leary: "I know some people thought I was the underdog - but I got here [to the final three]. And this is absolutely amazing.

"I want to keep writing music and do something I love. And I want to write music for you guys."

Luke's mentor, Louis Walsh, said he has a bright future, telling the audience: "He's got something unique and he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."

Ellie was also quick to praise the star's professionalism, saying: "I did give him a bit of advice beforehand but he doesn't need it. Luke's such an amazing, cool lovely person and he's a real star."

Earlier in the show, Nicholas sung boy band classic 'Flying Without Wings' with Westlife's Shane Filan while Sam performed 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' from the musical 'Dreamgirls' alongside Nicole Scherzinger.

A host of old contestants including Kitty Bucknell, Jedward, Two Shoes and Wagner also appeared in a segment on the programme’s most memorable moments from its ten year run.

Speaking after finding out he had won a place in tomorrow's final, Nicholas said: "I actually cannot believe it to think that I was just a normal boy from Scotland and now I'm on 'The X Factor' final."

Sam added: "I'm just so overwhelmed, this has been last chance saloon, its been 20 years and I've finally got here."