X Factor final hits Manchester

Liverpool's Christopher Maloney has missed out on a place in the X Factor final two.

Christopher, who was once a ship's crooner, sang 'What a Feeling' from the film Flashdance.

The judges praised his performance, with judge Louis Walsh saying: "You're the peoples' champion. You always come out fighting. You always deliver. I loved your high notes. Christopher, you've done it, you've changed your life, and you're not going back to Liverpool."

Christopher later performed a duet with his mentor Gary Barlow, but it wasn't enough to keep him in the competition after receiving the fewest number of votes.

During the show's ITV2 spin-off programme, Christopher said: "I'm very proud, I was the wildcard and I came third. I can't thank the public enough."

Kylie Minogue will perform this evening at the X Factor final in Manchester.

Earlier today, Liverpool finalist Christopher Maloney tweeted that the Australian singer 'wished him luck' and gave her support:

Take That singer Gary Barlow has praised the North West following his duet with his X Factor act, Christopher Maloney.

The pair sang the Take That hit 'Rule the World' in their duet.

Liverpool's Christopher Maloney has taken to the stage at the X Factor live finals in Manchester.

Christopher, who was once a ship's crooner, sang 'What a Feeling' from the film Flashdance.

Judge Louis Walsh said: "You're the peoples' champion. You always come out fighting. You always deliver. I loved your high notes. Christopher, you've done it, you've changed your life, and you're not going back to Liverpool."

Jahmene Douglas has performed first at the X Factor live shows in Manchester.

He performed the song 'Move On Up' in front of a giant Big Ben.

The X Factor live finals are being held tonight and tomorrow evening at Manchester Central.

Around 10,000 fans will see the show each night with millions more watching at home.

Granada Report's entertainment correspondent Caroline Whitmore caught up with some very excited fans.

Liverpool X Factor finalist Christoper Maloney has taken to Twitter to announce his winner's single.

If Maloney wins the ITV1 show, his first single will be "The Reason", by the modern rock band Hoobastank.

Heavy rain is interfering with the set up of the X Factor red carpet ahead of the first X Factor live final show.

Liverpool's Christopher Maloney, Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur will sing duets with their mentors this evening on the live show.

You can read more on the build-up to the final at The X Factor site.

X Factor finalist Christopher Maloney is vying for victory in the competition by singing a Take That tune with his mentor Gary Barlow.

Christopher, who was once a ship's crooner, will sing alongside Barlow in a performance of Take That chart-topper Rule The World during the duets section of tonight's final.

Maloney has been a favourite with viewers and has bucked expectations despite bookies ranking him the outsider to win the final.

He is up against fellow finalists James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas, who will perform their duets with mentor Nicole Scherzinger.