X Factor scraps plans to film judges' houses live

X Factor bosses have scrapped plans to broadcast the judge's houses round live after realising it would be a "technical nightmare".

The contestants often perform outside in exotic locations, but in the past weather has delayed filming.

And if the 12 finalists had sung live at judges' houses, they would have been returning to the UK the same week as the first live show, giving them less rehearsal time.

An X Factor source said: "We've always planned to have a live element to judges' houses, to give it more tension and drama. The biggest part of the show is the contestants' reactions.

"Now that we are finalising our plans, this will all happen live from the studio in Wembley with all the judges and the contestants together, along with their friends and family.

"For the rest of the show we are going to pre-record the contestants performing on location, as logistically and technically this will give us the best show for viewers."

Last year Louis Walsh's Bermuda location was hit by storms, while heavy wind disrupted performances at the house in France used by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Two years ago filming for Gary Barlow's round in New York was disrupted by traffic noise.

Satellite link-up delays could also have caused a problem on the night.