Eton Road almost didn't make it to the X Factor finals but after being given a last minute reprieve, are now the firm favourites among the four groups participating.

They were almost eliminated at the final qualifying stage by fellow group Avenue, but it transpired they already had management and were disqualified, giving Eton Road a shot a professional recording contract.

The group have known each other since they went to a dance school together, also called Eton Road, when they were younger and all four have experience in shows, cabarets and singing competitions.

Eton Road are as follows:

James Edwards is a 20 year old student from Liverpool and lives with his mother, step father and brother in Birkenhead. For the past five years, James has participated in shows, contests and cabarets and is also an accomplished dancer, achieving intermediate level in break dancing and acro (a combination of acrobatics and dancing).

David Heath is a 19 year old student from Liverpool. David has performed for the past 10 years in shows and cabarets around the North West and comes from a musical background; his uncle was in a band called the Easy Beats, who enjoyed fame in Australia.

Daniel Morris is 17 year old student from Liverpool who lives with his parents and younger brother. Performing on the X Factor should not phase him as he has performed at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool and St George's Hall with Michael Barrymore. He is also an accomplished musician and can play the guitar, piano and drums.

Anthony Hannah is a 17 year old student from Liverpool and could be described as the 'odd' member of the group, given his slim, gothic appearance. Anthony has sung with another former talent contest winner in Gareth Gates, when he won a competition on 'The Saturday Show' and got to perform with the Pop Idol victor.

In their first audition the group performed John Pagona's 'Changes in My Life' and 'Lonely' by Lionel Ritchie which was met by much enthusiasm by Simon Cowell.

After making it through to the bootcamp, they sang 'From this Moment' and 'Relight my Fire' but struggled on the second day when performing 'Up Where We Belong'. The judges agreed the group had potential but questioned whether they could cope in a studio environment.

However, they made it through to the final 12 and performed 'My Girl' by the Temptations on the first live show.