[LukeB]

The X Factor is ditching acts before Boot Camp has even started - and some of them aren't happy about it.

According to the Daily Star, acts who got a 'yes' at their arena audition were shocked to find out that it didn't necessarily mean that they'd make it to the next stage of the competition.

One hopeful revealed that producers had sent acts an email advising them not to book any travel in case they hadn't actually won a place at Boot Camp - and claimed that auditionees would only find out on Saturday if they'd made it through, with Boot Camp due to begin this week.

It's not the first time that contestants have been dropped before Boot Camp begins, but previously they've been "culled" when they arrived and an X Factor source suggested that this year's email was a "kinder and fairer" way of cutting down the number of acts taking part.

An X Factor spokesperson confirmed the reports to Digital Spy, saying: "Owing to a very high standard of talent during this year's X Factor arena auditions, not all successful singers have been offered a place at Bootcamp.

"All singers have been made aware of this and were told this weekend whether or not they would be going through to Boot Camp, after the judges had reviewed their auditions."

Previous reports have suggested that Boot Camp will be held at a manor house in the country in an attempt to sex up the show.

Mess