Cheryl Fernandez-Versini means business in a monochrome suit as she and Simon Cowell announce their final three acts live on The X Factor

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Tensions were higher than ever before on Saturday night's The X Factor after a brand new format hit the stage.

In the first ever Judge's Houses of its kind, the superstar two of the judging panel made their final choices in front of a live audience - in yet another twist in the ITV talent show's new format. 

Saturday night's show saw seasoned judges Cheryl Fernandez Versini and Simon Cowell announce their finalists in the Groups and Overs categories respectively - as they made their choice in front of an arena filled with the friends and family of the contestants.

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Tough choice: Cheryl made the agonising decision to put 4th Impact, Alien Uncovered and Reggie N' Bollie through to the live shows while leaving behind BEKLN Mile, New Kings Order and Melody Stone

Cheryl made the agonising decision to put 4th Impact, Alien Uncovered and Reggie N' Bollie through to the live shows while leaving behind BEKLN Mile, New Kings Order and Melody Stone.

First on the new live stage and clearly nervous about making her decision, Cheryl put on a confident style display in a slick black trouser suit with white lapels.

The stunner, whose groups have been forced to change their names due to legal reasons, spoke of her worries to hosts Caroline Flack and OIly Murs.

She said: 'All of my groups brought it, which didn't make my life any easier. Whether live or not I'm never feeling good at this stage - Its the strongest [groups] ever... [Tonight is] a bit bittersweet.'

Stunner: Cheryl was first on the new live stage, clearly nervous about making her decision, as she stepped out on stage looking sensational in a slick black trouser suit with white lapel

Nervous: It was a big night for seasoned judges Cheryl (left) and Simon Cowell (right) since they were thrust into a new format for the Judges' Houses stage

Simon too, faced the horrible challenge live on Saturday night, eventually deciding to bring through Anton Stephans, Bupsi Brown and Max Stone as his final three.

He was torn over his choice and was urged by Caroline and Olly to make his decision before being given a 10 second countdown where he buried his head in his hands while agonising.

After announcing his final decision, the notoriously tough music mogul said: 'These three deserve it... I think we might have the winner in these three.'

Tough choices: He was torn over his choice and was urged by Caroline and Olly to make his decision before being given a 10 second countdown where he buried his head in his hands while agonising

Tough choices: Simon also faced the horrible challenge of having to send home three of the acts yet he finally decided on Anton Stephans, Bupsi Brown and Max Stone for his final three

It was Cheryl who kicked off the Judge's Houses screenings by taking her groups to her amazing pad in Rome.

She sported a stunning glittering green gown with a sheer, cleavage-exposing panel along the front.

She was joined by pop star Jess Glynne, who was helping her make the decisions, who said: 'The thing is they all have different qualities which are great.' 

Successful! The first group to try their luck was sister 4th Impact who sang an incredible version of Rihanna's 2010 hit Love The Way You Lie, which was laden with harmonies while sang against just a piano and guitar

Good news: The four piece will no doubt be most excited on behalf of their families

The first group to try their luck was sister 4th Impact who sang an incredible version of Rihanna's 2010 hit Love The Way You Lie, which was laden with harmonies while sang against just a piano and guitar. 

A live feed back to the studio showed the girls getting emotional back in the live studio. 

Cheryl said after their performance: 'I was choked, I have goosebumps, I feel weird... Of course instinctively I'll be impressed with their vocals but week three, week four I'm not sure.

The girls were the first to be put through to the live shows. 

They made it! Alien Uncovered were up next with a unique performance of Usher's 2004 song Bad Girl, which boasted expertly executed choreography while they rocked their trademark loud ensembles

Worth the wait? The girls' stage outfits was enough to get them through too

Delighted: The band couldn't mask their excitement on hearing the news

Alien Uncovered were up next with a unique performance of Usher's 2004 song Bad Girl, which boasted expertly executed choreography while they rocked their trademark loud ensembles.  

Cheryl told them: 'Get out of here bad girls' before Jess said they were individually 'very special'. 

The former Girls Aloud singer seemed extremely impressed with the singers although the Rather Be hitmaker insisted the girls needed to perfect their vocals and work out who their lead singer was. 

Despite any reservations, the girls were one of the lucky three to go through.  

Failed attempt: Next up was Melody Stone sporting a variety of white and burgundy ensembles for their make-or-break audition while they sang Emeli Sande's 2012 smash Heaven

Next up was Melody Stone sporting a variety of white and burgundy ensembles for their make-or-break audition while they sang Emeli Sande's 2012 smash Heaven. 

The live feed back to the studio saw the group clutch each others hands as they eagerly anticipated the results of the superstar duo. 

Jess: 'Best vocals from the girls, they have the best voices, I love their voices but I'm looking at them and thinking where so they fit?' while Cheryl concurred, adding: 'Who would buy their albums? You can hear that in church every week.'

Unlucky: BEKLN Mile were next with a soul inspired version of Sam Smith's Lay Me Down, while they all sported white and denim ensembles for the performance - looking every inch the boy band

Tough decisions: Cheryl was utterly torn by some of her acts, a five piece and a duo

BEKLN Mile were next with a soul inspired version of Sam Smith's Lay Me Down, while they all sported white and denim ensembles for the performance - looking every inch the boy band.

Jess: 'They're so special.. They can all sing. I don't know though how I can watch that week in and week out and be constantly entertained.'

Cheryl yet again agreed with her expert judge, adding: 'They sound so good... [but] this is the first audition of there's I haven't loved.'

Tough choice: Cheryl yet again agreed with her expert judge, adding: 'They sound so good... [but] this is the first audition of there's I haven't loved.'

Heating up the competition even further was Reggie N' Bollie who said singing to the pop sensations was 'a dream come true'. 

The boys sang a sexed-up take on The Beatles' hit track Twist And Shout as they harmonised while grinding along to the beat, while they were supported by three backing singers. 

Cheryl: 'They're such nice guys as well... They're the happiest contestants ever... I wanna put them through but I can only put through three.' 

Hotting things up: Heating up the competition even further was Reggie N' Bollie who said singing to the pop sensations was 'a dream come true

Tough stuff: New Kings Order were next to take the stage, yet they were a man down as band member Cardan had lost his voice and insisted he hadn't spoken in 24 hours.

New Kings Order were next to take the stage, yet they were a man down as band member Cardan had lost his voice and insisted he hadn't spoken in 24 hours. 

The boys sang a touching version of N*Sync's This I Promise You and in the live feed back to the studio nervous Cardan was seen crying and mouthing along the words. 

Cheryl was saddened by the boys' difficult situation due to Cardan's health, saying: 'It's a shame he lost his voice because he holds it together... they're borderline cheesy but they could be [wicked].'

Singing their hearts out: The boys sang a touching version of N*Sync's This I Promise You and in the live feed back to the studio nervous Cardan was seen crying and mouthing along the words

Making the choice: After all the groups gave their heart to the performances, it was back to the live studio where Cheryl had to make her choice

After all the groups gave their heart to the performances, it was back to the live studio where Cheryl had to make her choice. 

Each group gave an impassioned plea to the singer as to why they should win a place in the coveted live show.  

Cheryl told Caroline and Olly: 'My [decision] is quavering... I'm slightly confused right now and I don't have time to be that.' 

Worried: Cheryl told Caroline and Olly: 'My [decision] is quavering... I'm slightly confused right now and I don't have time to be that.'

The first act to be put through was 4th Impact who burst into tears as they discovered their place in the show before running over to Cheryl to hug her. 

The second group to win a place was Alien Uncovered while both Nick and Rita suggested she give the third place to BEKLN Mile. 

She said: 'I think everyone stood on that stage, should be incredibly proud of yourself. Out of thousands of people you're here tonight... Everyone in my category I'm incredibly proud of.' 

Struggling: Cheryl found it difficult to whittle down her choices 

Final choice: After she was given a 10 second countdown she opted to put Reggie N' Bollie were last to be through to the live shows

After she was given a 10 second countdown she opted to put Reggie N' Bollie were last to be through to the live shows. 

Cheryl said: 'Obviously we have two very different girl grpoups which I love and I needced people I knew would deliver who would give us excitement and fun and I could only do so much with a choir. 

Alien Uncovered said: 'It's a massive achievement thank you so much Cheryl.' 

Tough stuff: After Cheryl announced her contestants, Simon's Judges House was aired - which saw him take the overs to an incredible French chateau where he was joined by One Direction Louis Tomlinson

After Cheryl announced her contestants, Simon's Judges House was aired - which saw him take the overs to an incredible French chateau where he was joined by One Direction Louis Tomlinson. 

Louis, who found fame in the incredibly successful boy band in on the show in 2010, was all too sympathetic for the contestants and said: 'It's like the ultimate job interview.'

Offering advice: Louis, who found fame in the incredibly successful boy band in on the show in 2010, was all too sympathetic for the contestants and said: 'It's like the ultimate job interview.'

Unsuccessful: First up was viewer's favourite, Jennifer Phillips, who undertook the tough task of singing a One Direction song in front of one of the band's members

First up was viewer's favourite, Jennifer Phillips, who undertook the tough task of singing a One Direction song in front of one of the band's members.

She belted out Drag Me Down to the impressed duo, after which Louis said: 'It sounds great... She's just capticating when she sings.'

Ebru Ellis was next to sit in front of the tough pair as she sang Ed Sheeran's Photograph, however Simon weighed in with the tough comment: 'Is there something about her that makes her forgettable?' 

Forgettable? Ebru Ellis was next to sit in front of the tough pair as she sang Ed Sheeran's Photograph

Bupsi sang an extremely sexy version of Ginuwine's hit 1996 song Pony, which famously features on the Magic Mike soundtrack, while Simon uttered 'I love it' as she performed. 

The stunning aspiring singer gave her all as she sported a bandeau black dress with bright red heels. 

Simon said: 'It was perfect for her... Even though she does that whole sexy thing she's a very sweet girl and she's got a catchphrase "You want nasty.. I've got nasty"'

Despite Louis' worries that Bupsi's songs could come off slightly 'cabaret', Simon seemed still keen on the sassy singer. 

Fan favourite: Bupsi sang an extremely sexy version of Ginuwine's hit 1996 song Pony, which famously features on the Magic Mike soundtrack, while Simon uttered 'I love it' as she performed

Gangsta's Paradise: Max Stone, who lost and regained his place in the Six Chair Challenge, was up next

Max Stone, who lost and regained his place in the Six Chair Challenge, was up next. 

He played an incredible accoustic version of Coolio's 1995 iconic track Gangsta's Paradise  

Simon said 'Wow Max you want this don't you'.. While Louis uttered 'I love his voice' 

Louis said: 'He's got that originality while Simon added: 'He hasn't been a contender for me until now.'

High notes: Louis was impressed with Max's performance

Leggy display: Kerry Anne Phillips looked incredible with a sexy pair of denim shorts and a sporty T-shirt with black knee high boots

Kerry Anne Phillips looked incredible with a sexy pair of denim shorts and a sporty T-shirt with black knee high boots. 

She brought a disco funk to proceedings as she belted out a jaunty take on The Emotions 1977 hit Best Of My Love. 

Simon: 'Gosh I do think I could work with this girl' yet Louis said: 'I don't know what's original about her.

Funky: She brought a disco funk to proceedings as she belted out a jaunty take on The Emotions 1977 hit Best Of My Love

Belting it out: Anton Stevens, who has made a career out of being a backing singer, sang an incredible version of 1971 track Superstar by The Carpenters

Anton Stevens, who has made a career out of being a backing singer, sang an incredible version of 1971 track Superstar by The Carpenters. 

Before his rendition, a stunned Simon looked alarmed and said: 'I think I just saw a ghost.'

Despite Simon's alleged paranormal discovery, the show went on and Anton gave his show which Simon called 'incredible' while Louis explained that he felt emotional by the performance. 

Ultimately successful: Anton gave his show which Simon called 'incredible' while Louis explained that he felt emotional by the performance

Back in the studio, Simon made the tough decisions of who he was letting through. 

Announcing his first choice he said: 'The first person joining me next week on the live shows and we all need a little bit of nasty - it's Bupsi'

The second act to head through to the live shows was fan favourite, Anton, after Simon said: 'This competition would not be the same without this person.. I want to welcome, Anton.'

When asked for his advise, Nick said he would take Max while Cheryl and Rita told the music mogul to follow his gut instinct. 

His final decision was Max, after he revealed he had another act in mind to head to the live shows but finally settled on the soulful crooner.  

Flying high: Nick took his boys jet-skiing after flying them by helicopter to the rural England area

Expert advice: The boys were thrilled to have Mark Ronson join Nick to offer his expert opinion and help choose who will go through to the live rounds

After Simon made his live decisions, viewers saw fellow judge Nick Grimsaw try out his boys in the Cotswolds. 

Nick took his boys jet-skiing after flying them by helicopter to the rural England area.

The boys were thrilled to have Mark Ronson join Nick to offer his expert opinion and help choose who will go through to the live rounds. 

Mark and Nick looked typically edgy and cool in skinny jeans with the Uptown Funk hitmaker wearing a striped polo shirt and Nick donning a navy blazer.  

Preparing: First up was the group's most glamorous edition, Seann Miley Moore who sang Kate Bush's classic 1989 hit This Woman's Work

Emotional: He explained that the song reminded him of his mother and after he performed he burst out crying

First up was the group's most glamorous edition, Seann Miley Moore who sang Kate Bush's classic 1989 hit This Woman's Work. 

He explained that the song reminded him of his mother and after he performed he burst out crying. 

Nick was visibly impressed although he voiced concern that Seann can go slightly 'cabaret'. 

Great performance: Simon Lynch sang an incredible take on Sugababes strack Lost In You after which impressed Mark called him 'Twilight' - alluding to the fact he looks like Robert Pattison perhaps while Nick said he 'loved' him earlier in the show

He's back! Controversial contender Mason Noise was back on the stage after he lost a place at the Six Chair Challege after having an altercation with Simon

Simon Lynch sang an incredible take on Sugababes strack Lost In You after which impressed Mark called him 'Twilight' - alluding to the fact he looks like Robert Pattison perhaps while Nick said he 'loved' him earlier in the show 

Controversial contender Mason Noise was back on the stage after he lost a place at the Six Chair Challege after having an altercation with Simon.

He sang an acoustic version of Robin Thicke's hit Lost Without You, while Nick and Mark nodded along and seemed visibly impressed before telling him it was 'awesome'.

Mark then said it was 'The best he'd ever heard.. He was in my bottom two but he's obviously been humbled' although Nick said he feared he was going to be a difficult choice due to his diva-like behaviour earlier in the competition. 

Impressive: Mason Noise sang an acoustic version of Robin Thicke's hit Lost Without You, while Nick and Mark nodded along and seemed visibly impressed before telling him it was 'awesome'

In it to win it: Mark told Che Chesterman he loved his Six Chair performance, before the 19-year-old sang his mum and dad's wedding song, Don't Know Much

Ben Clarke sang Ella Henderson's hit Yours before Nick said: 'I do love that rocky voice.

Mark concurred, adding: 'His voice you'd normally have with a band.. It's interesting to see someone with more of a heavy rock background on this show'.

Clearly a fan of the singer, the judges agreed with Ben's unique style he was one to watch.  

Singing his heart out: Ben Clarke sang Ella Henderson's hit Yours before Nick said: 'I do love that rocky voice'

Mark told Che Chesterman he loved his Six Chair performance, before the 19-year-old sang his mum and dad's wedding song, Don't Know Much. 

Che explained that he was overcome with emotion during the performance yet the judging duo were clearly impressed.

Handsome Josh Daniel sang an extremely stylised version of Taylor Swift's hit Style while Nick said: 'He knows his voice'. 

Despite airing Nick's Judge's houses on Saturday he was left to sleep on his decision until Sunday's episode, when Rita Ora will also make her choices out of the Boy's category. 

The X Factor airs on ITV on Sunday at 7.30pm 

Stylish: Handsome Josh Daniel sang an extremely stylised version of Taylor Swift's hit Style while Nick said: 'He knows his voice'.

Crunch time: Despite airing Nick's Judge's houses on Saturday he was left to sleep on his decision until Sunday's episode, when Rita Ora will also make her choices out of the Boy's category

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