This year’s X Factor has thrown up some interesting combinations of contestants, and nowhere is that more prevalent than in the groups category managed (or mentored) by Simon Cowell.

We had a very diverse set of people who went through to the top 6 stage, that’s the one which is just a big excuse for a party and a bit of a holiday at the judges leisure, and at ITV’s expense.

Then it came time for Simon Cowell to choose the three groups who would go through to the live finals rounds, starting on Saturday 20th October. And the competition was stiff.

I don’t actually agree with all Simon’s choices, particularly in letting Same Difference through, the cheesy brother and sister act who grate on my nerves every time I see them.

It was interesting to see that both of the experimental groups got through. These were the two sets of solo singers, one of boys, one of girls, who failed to get through as solo singers so were lumped together to see if they could gel.

The girl group formed like this are actually really good, despite one of them being thrown out for having a criminal conviction. They are called Hope and I predict they’ll now go on to win the whole competition.