The X Factor: final 12 revealed!

The 12 finalists in The X Factor 2009 have been revealed, following their final chance to impress their mentors at their houses.

The first to reveal their three finalists was Dannii Minogue, who is mentoring the girls this year.

"It has been beyond difficult but I've made a decision and I'm really excited about these three," Dannii admitted.

However she went on to deliver good news to Lucie Jones, Rachel Adedeji and finally to Essex girl Stacey Solomon, all of whom have made it to the final three in her category.

But there was bad news for Stacey McClean, Nicole Jackson and Despina Pilavakis, who were all told that they were going home. Stacey, a former member of S Club Juniors, admitted she was "heartbroken" at the decision.

Next it was the turn of Louis Walsh to reveal his groups, and he admitted he had had a change of heart over one of his decisions.

"I changed my mind overnight," he said, "I'm taking a bit of a gamble on one of the acts."

And in doing so, he chose girl groups Miss Frank and Kandy Rain, before finally selecting Irish twins John and Edward, admitting he was taking a chance on them.

However girl group Project A, male duo De-Tour and four-piece Harmony Hood failed to make it through, despite Louis telling the latter he was "glad I gave you a lifeline to come back".

Cheryl Cole was next to reveal her three chosen acts in the boys category, and emotions ran high as she gave good news to Rikki Loney, Lloyd Daniels and Joseph McElderry.

But there was disappointment for American student Ethan Boroian, Londoner Duane Lamonte - who was making his second attempt to reach the finals - and operatic singer Daniel Fox.

Finally, it was Simon's turn to break the news to the remaining hopefuls in his over-25s category.

And the mogul opted for an all-male line-up, choosing Danyl Johnson, Olly Murs and finally Jamie Archer - leaving Nicole Lawrence, Treyc Cohen and former One True Voice singer Daniel Pearce to head home empty-handed.

Next Saturday sees the 12 compete in the first live show of the series, with the results announced in a new show on Sunday night.

The show will also feature a performance from last year's winner Alexandra Burke, as well as an appearance by Robbie Williams.