The X Factor 2016: First week's theme, final 12 drama and shock twist to live shows

All you need to know before the big weekend.

The X Factor live shows will get underway on Saturday night (8 October) as the final 12 acts gear up to battle it out for the top spot until Christmas. Dermot O'Leary will return as host as judges Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh take to the judging panel to give their opinions on the weekly performances.

The ITV show is going all out for the first live shows of 2016, implementing a shock twist with an onstage jukebox that will determine the following week's theme. On every Sunday's results show after the elimination, O'Leary will bring on a celebrity guest to spin the wheel to reveal what musical theme they will be running with the next week.

Themes

Potential themes will include Oscars, Boy Band vs Girl Band, Disco, Motown, 80s, Divas and Louis Loves (the Louis Walsh collection).

This week's theme is 'Express Yourself' – where each of the 12 contestants will perform a song that showcases who they are as artists in the hope of securing their place in the second week of live performances.

Drama

After what seems like a lifetime of auditions, boot camps, six-chair challenges and the heart-rending decisions made at the judge's houses, it is finally time for the highly-anticipated 12 to take to the stage in front of the nation.

The new series hasn't been short of drama, as Louis Walsh sent home two much-loved girl groups, Four Of Diamonds and Scarl3t, while Saara Aalto made it to judges' houses after Nicole Scherzinger chose her as a wildcard entry for Sharon Osbourne. Eccentric female rapper Honey G has also replaced Ivy Grace Paredes, who had visa issues.

What time and where

Viewers will be able to tune in to the first of the live shows this weekend on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th at 8pm on ITV.

Final 12

Groups: Bratavio (formerly Bradley and Ottavio), Brooks Way (formerly The Brooks) and 5 After Midnight (formerly 5AM)