Several X Factor contestants hit with ‘mystery bug’ ahead of live shows

Uh oh.

The X Factor live shows this weekend are reportedly up in the air after a number of contestants were hit with a "mystery illness". The 12 finalists in the singing competition are set to take to the stage this weekend to honour George Michael. But the performances are said to be in "chaos" after a number of the contestants were hit with a mystery bug. According to the Daily Star, the Price brothers, Matt Linnen and Holly Tandy have all been struck down with a mystery illness in the lead up to the live shows. The four of them have been advised to "rest and drink honey" so that they can be ready for the weekend performances. A show insider told the publication:

"They've started dropping like flies. "They're all having early nights and resting their bodies and voices. "We can't afford to have no-shows - there are two double evictions, so four acts are going to get the boot."

It's the latest string of bad luck for the competition, which previously saw judge Simon Cowell miss out on the opening weekend. The dad-of-one collapsed at home the morning before the live shows began and was taken to the hospital.