And then there were three! Lauren Murray is booted out of The X Factor as Che Chesterman heads for final after Simon Cowell puts judges vote to deadlock

Lauren Murray has been voted off The X Factor ahead of next week's final. 

The London-born hopeful went head-to-head with Che Chesterman on Sunday night's live semi-final results show, although she received the lowest amount of public votes and was subsequently sent home.

Simon Cowell was left with the casting decision between the duo yet he allowed the vote to go to deadlock as he was indecisive leading to Lauren's departure - making Louisa Johnson, Che and Reggie N Bollie the three finalists.

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Bereft: Lauren Murray has been voted off The X Factor ahead of next week's final

Tearful Lauren, who was struggling to contain her emotions, was first to sing for her survival as she belted out, her rather appropriate, saviour track - Rachel Platten's smash hit Fight Song.

The stunning brunette cried her way through the performance as she sported a stunning black jumpsuit although she struggled to stay on top of the track and fumbled over her words.

After her performance, her mentor Rita Ora jumped on stage to support the tearful hopeful. 

Next up was fan favourite, Che who appeared more composed than Lauren and he sportingly waved at his fellow contestant who was off stage before he sang a stunning rendition of Simon And Garfunkel's 1970s hit Bridge Over Troubled Water.

See more news on the latest X Factor eliminations ahead of next week's final

So long: Simon Cowell was left with the casting vote yet the music mogul allowed the vote to go to deadlock as he was indecisive leading Lauren's departure - making Louisa Johnson, Che and Reggie N Bollie as the three finalists

 He's safe! The London-born hopeful went head-to-head with Che Chesterman on Sunday night's live semi-final results show, although after she received the lowest amount of public votes and was subsequently sent home

As the attention turned to the judges it was apparent the four famous faces, also including Nick Grimshaw and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, were torn in their decision. 

Che's mentor Nick said: 'Obviously I'm Che's mentor so I'm saving Che - but Lauren I'm obviously a massive fan and I'd love to have you on my show [but] you know the gig, I have to send Lauren home.'

Clearly struggling with the tricky situation, a visibly upset Rita said: 'You have one of the best voices in this competition, Che.. But obviously I'm sending Che home.'

Deadlock: The deciding vote was left to Simon, the only judge with no remaining acts

Tough stuff: A torn Cheryl wound up sending Lauren home as she explained her fears over how emotional she was at this stage

The vote then turned to the neutral judges which led to further tension in the studio.  

A torn Cheryl wound up sending Lauren home as she explained her fears over how emotional she was at this stage. 

She said: 'I don't want to send anyone home... I know Lauren' been poorly all week... I'm sending Lauren home this evening.'

She's gone: Lauren was extremely emotional when she heard the devastating news

The deciding vote was left to Simon, the only judge with no remaining acts.

He said: 'I like both of you, I want you both in the final. Che you're a great singer, Lauren you're also a great singer. I'm going to let the public decide and I'm going to choose Che.'

Due to Simon's deadlock move, the public's vote was then the teller and hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs revealed to a heartbroken Lauren that her time was up.  

Safe! Next up was fan favourite, Che who appeared more composed than Lauren and he sportingly waved at his fellow contestant who was off stage before he sang a stunning rendition of Simon And Garfunkel's 1970s hit Bridge Over Troubled Water.

In it to win it: Earlier in the show, the first act to be declared safe was Reggie N Bollie who grabbed on to their mentor Cheryl as they heard their fantastic news

 Earlier in the show, the first act to be declared safe was Reggie N Bollie who grabbed on to their mentor Cheryl as they heard their fantastic news. 

Rita then realised that just one of her acts was safe as they show's youngest contestant, Louisa Johnson, although the news was clearly bittersweet for the stunning singer as she realised her other act was in the bottom two. 

After all the dramas of the show, the finalists were revealed in Reggie N Bollie, Louisa Johnson and Che Chesterman.  

Her girls: Despite losing Lauren, Rita still has hope for victory as she has her remaining girl - Louisa Johnson

Then there were three! After all the dramas of the show, the finalists were revealed in Reggie N Bollie, Louisa Johnson and Che Chesterman

Superstar: Crowds were thrilled with a dramatic performance from chart-topper Jason Derulo who looked suave in a red blazer with a white suit jacket and black jeans

The show kicked off with a medley from the finalists of a pared-back take on Pharell Williams' smash hit Happy. 

Crowds were thrilled with a dramatic performance from chart-topper Jason Derulo who looked suave in a red blazer with a white suit jacket and black jeans. 

He put on an extremely impressive display as he utilised an incredible visual backdrop and sexy backing dancers to belt out his hit song Want To Want Me. 

Kooky singer: Sia was next to storm the stage where she put on a typically quirky show as she belted out her new record Alive.

Sia was next to storm the stage where she put on a typically quirky show as she belted out her new record Alive. 

She wore a monochrome wig which shielded her eyes, a look she favours as she is reluctant to show her face, while balancing a huge polka dot bow atop her head. 

The Titanium hitmaker sang on top of a glass box where a dancer named Julia put on an energetic display beneath her.