The X Factor: Decisions made!

The semi-finalists in the fourth series of The X Factor have been chosen, following a gruelling session at Boot Camp.

Of the 200 performers and groups who made it to the second stage of the show, just 24 were chosen to go on to the next stage - which will involve performing for the judges at their homes.

The first show of a double bill shown on Saturday night saw the four categories - boys and girls aged 14-24, 25 and overs, and groups, competing for one of 12 places in each category.

Things got off to a rocky start in some categories, with Simon Cowell calling the girls' performances a "disaster" - while the 25 and over category caused further despair among the judges.

Meanwhile, Louis Walsh threw a spanner in the works by offering an olive branch to some of the rejected boy and girl performers - by suggesting that they consider getting together and competing as groups.

Several of them rose to the challenge, and two of the groups - hastily-formed girl group Hope, and boyband Futureproof - succeeded in making it through to the next stage, despite having had just 24 hours to rehearse.

The second show saw the 12 in each category whittled down to six.

Among the six remaining boys are operatic singer Rhydian, who made it through despite dividing opinion among judges.

14-year-old Luke - who scraped through to boot camp after being given a second chance to audition - also made it through, and wept upon being told the news.

Charlie, Leon, Dominic and Andy are the remaining four to have made it through.

Another 14-year-old, Emily, made the final six in the girls' category, along with singers Alisha, Vicki, Kim and Steph. 19-year-old Kimberley - who also divided the judges - joins them.

The over-25 finalists include primary school teacher Beverley and flamboyant performer Icaro, as well as singers Daniel, Zyta, Dan and Niki.

And both of the newly-formed groups, Futureproof and Hope, have reached the final six, along with boy band Ghostt, girl group W4, ensemble I Sette Cantanti and smiley brother sister duo Same Difference.