'X Factor' judge Gary Barlow has confirmed he is to step down from the talent contest at the end of this series, making the announcement mid-way through a live show.

The final hopefuls who have made it to the judges houses stage of The X Factor were revealed tonight.

SOME were only short a red carpet and others may as well have been wearing one but from fashion queen to borderline obscene, the horses were only a sideline attraction at Galway Race Course yesterday.