X Factor 2016: James Arthur to duet with Matt Terry

Following reports that Sam Smith had snubbed X Factor finalist Matt Terry’s request for a duet in this Saturday’s final, it has been reported that James Arthur has come to his rescue.

Talk about a knight in shining armour, eh?

James was apparently supposed to sing with Simon Cowell’s act, Emily Middlemas, but after she was eliminated during Sunday night’s show he has agreed to switch teams and perform with Nicole Scherzinger’s finalist instead.

Producers had been optimistic that they’d be able to nab Oscar Winner Sam for the duet, but the star turned down their requests.

A source said at the time: “Matt’s best performance of the whole series was singing Writing’s On The Wall. Sam loved his version so it seemed the perfect plan to put them together.

“There’s still a slim chance [Sam could join Matt on stage] but it doesn’t look like it will happen now.”

The X Factor final always promises viewers big duets as the remaining contestants perform alongside a host of A-list talent, with the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna making appearances in the past.

As well as James, The Sun report that Sharon Osbourne’s finalist, flamboyant Saara Aalto, will be performing with American Idol star, Adam Lambert, who has recently toured with Queen in the place of Freddie Mercury.

Louis Walsh’s remaining act, boy group 5 After Midnight, are reportedly set to perform with The Weeknd.

It has also been confirmed that all of this year’s final 12, including controversial rapper Honey G, will return to the show for a final group performance.

James Arthur shot to fame after winning the 2012 series of The X Factor under the incidence of his mentor, Nicole Scherzinger – here’s hoping that Matt is able to emulate the singer’s #ScherzyBoy success.