Recording deal will make other X Factor contestants JLS

The X Factor is down to its last three acts, but there already appears to be a winner. Boy band JLS are on the brink of signing a lucrative recording contract - even if they fail to win the talent show. The group - who are Aston, 20, Marvin, 23, Ortise and JB, both 21 - are in the final with Alexandra Burke and Eoghan Quigg. A source said: "The judges think the boys are the best group the show has ever had, which has naturally attracted interest from a number of record companies. They have an offer but are waiting to see what happens in the final. It could turn into a bidding war between record companies."

Win/win situation: even if JLS lose The X Factor, a lucrative record contract is virtually guaranteed

The band have had their ups and downs on the show, recently bouncing back from Simon Cowell's comments after he called their version of Britney Spears's Baby One More Time "lame".

After losing two acts in the first two weeks, their mentor Louis Walsh, 56, was certainly taking no chances with JLS and took drastic action in a bid to drum up support. Pounding the streets of London in October, wearing a bright green JLS hoodie, Louis handed out fliers for the group to everyone he passed.

"Close pals": Eoghan Quigg blubbed for Ireland when Diana Vickers was voted off on Saturday

And it looks like his efforts have paid off. A source added: "The interest has been gathering momentum over the past few weeks as their live performances each week are brilliant. All they are focusing on now is the show, so don't have much time to think about their offers."

On Saturday night, songstress Diana Vickers was voted off the show, leaving "close pal" Eoghan Quigg to create one of the most cringe-worthy moments in TV history. The 16-year-old wept uncontrollably, making it pretty obvious there is more to their relationship than friendship.