The latest series of the popular TV show is due to begin airing in January (16) with judges Will.i.am and Ricky Wilson being joined by newcomers Paloma Faith and Boy George, and 40,000 applicants were recently whittled down to the final 500 ahead of the auditions.

However, the show was left without any contestants this week (beg17Aug15) after an email dismissal was accidentally sent to all of the aspiring singers instead of just those due to be knocked out.

Producers have blamed the mishap on a technical glitch and insisted all successful candidates have now been contacted to assure them they are still in the running.

A spokesman for the show says, "We can confirm this unfortunate incident was caused by a technical glitch and was rectified immediately."