The three X Factor finalists have taken a trip to Downing Street to switch on Mr Cameron’s Christmas lights.

The three finalists, Jahmene Douglas, James Arthur and Christopher Maloney were accompanied by show judge Nicole Scherzinger as they made the appearance in front of hundreds of school children.

The event was organized in aid of the charity Together for Short Lives which the show’s boss Simon Cowell has previously done a lot of work for and will be getting all of the profits from the winner’s single this year.

The audience were treated to the X Factor stars switching on the lights and then leading them into a selection of Christmas carols.

The event was reported by ex-contestant Rylan Clark in his showbiz news section on Daybreak where he praised the three on their appearance but did point out that he was disappointed that the lights were a little anti-climatic.

Elsewhere on the X Factor, as the show draws to a close and preparations are made for the final, there has already been a drama unfolding via Twitter.

Former contestant Jade Ellis has revealed that she will not be attending as she was only one ticket and doesn’t want to leave her daughter behind.

She said through her Twitter account: Looks like I won't be at the final either now... #itsajoke.

"Over it... I would have love to go but I have no intention of leaving Caiden for three days!!! No tickets for family!! #terrible.

"In utter disbelief tbh... #shocked #disappointed."