Union J star Josh Cuthbert has revealed the band was "pitted against" another group while on the X Factor. The singer, 32, featured alongside JJ Hamblett, Jaymi Hensley and George Shelley as they took part in the ITV singing competition in 2012. They were initially known as Triple J before George was added to the band and reached the live shows. The band eventually finished fourth behind winner James Arthur, but thanks to their popularity they had success with four Top 10 singles by 2014 and several sold-out concert tours.
However, when on the hit ITV show the band faced competition from fellow group District 3. Josh decided to reflect on his X Factor journey with his followers as one asked him what his best memory of the show was. He replied: "It's gotta be when we knocked the other rival boyband out of the competition in the 'sign off' in week 6 of the live shows.
"We were pitted against them the whole competition. To be honest I think at the start... X Factor and Syco were pushing them more than us, however after we smashed it in week 2, we became the boyband the show were backing. So this was a big moment for us!" After their sing off, it was up to the judges to decide who would be going through.
Gary Barlow chose to send home District 3, saying that Union J seemed to "want it more." Nicole Scherzinger also chose to send District 3 home, telling them: "You have my heart, you really do. But the band I think is a little bit more ready for this is Union J." Louis Walsh, who was mentor to both bands, refused to cast his vote meaning Union J were saved.
