In a change to last years format, in judges houses 2012 each X Factor judge will only be able to take three acts through to the live shows.

In the last series of the X Factor UK the four judges were each able to choose four singers or groups to represent them in the finals. This meant each judge had to choose one act of theirs to go home after just one live performance.

X Factor bosses are hoping that going back to the original, simpler format of having twelve acts in the finals with just one act going out each week will make things easier to follow. This method also gives the viewers a better chance to get to know the finalists and choose their favourites.

Simon Cowell knows they are under pressure to improve on last years series in order to beat BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in the ratings war. The two shows are set to once again go head to head on Saturday nights.

The X Factor live shows are also set to feature guest performances from the likes of Leona Lewis and Ne-Yo to help pull in the viewers.

So with only three acts going through from each judges house the competition is set to be fierce and the decisions as though as ever.