Singer Tommy Ludford, 20, was performing during the 'Six Chair challenge' round when he lost his footing and dramatically tumbled off set.
Singer Tommy Ludford, 20, was performing during the 'Six Chair challenge' round when he lost his footing and dramatically tumbled off set.
This is the extraordinary moment an X Factor contestant fell backwards off the stage while singing for his place in the competition.
Singer Tommy Ludford, 20, was performing during the 'Six Chair challenge' round of the ITV talent show when he lost his footing and dramatically tumbled off set according to DailyMail.
The moment, which will air on tonight's episode, left Simon Cowell and his fellow judges open-mouthed in shock - and prompted panicked host Dermot O'Leary to rush to Tommy's aide.
Audience members could be seen clasping their mouths in shock after the dramatic fall.
Fortunately the singer was back on his feet just moments later and triumphantly raised an arm in the air to let the worried audience - and his fellow contestants - know he was uninjured.
The clip was shared on the X Factor YouTube channel ahead of tonight's episode.
The programme will see the contestants compete for a place in the next stage of the competition, where they will travel to the judges' houses to sing for a place in the live finals.
Among those hoping to make the cut is singer-songwriter Tommy, who said a place at judges' houses would be 'life-changing'.
He chose a ballad, Dipping Biscuits, for the pivotal performance and confidently launched into the song, accompanying himself on the guitar.
Cutting a casual figure in jeans, a jumper and a baseball hat, Tommy impressed the crowd with the opening chords of his song.
During the first guitar solo, Tommy looked down at his instrument and began to walk backwards, unaware that he was slowly approaching the edge of the X-shaped platform. In a split-second the contestant fell off the stage and into the stage pit behind.
Former One Direction star Louis, pictured, was concerned for Tommy's well-being after watching him plummet off the back of the stage.
Married judges Robbie Williams and Ayda Field immediately stood up and strained to get a better look at the pit where Tommy had fallen.
Fellow judges Louis Tomlinson and Simon Cowell were similarly concerned, clutching their hands to their mouths as they waited for news on his condition.
Meanwhile presenter Dermot O'Leary raced behind the stage with crew to check on Tommy.
A brief shot shows former One Direction star Louis crossing the stage, suggesting he also went to Tommy's side.
Relieved contestants and audience members gave Tommy a round of applause as he got to his feet. It is not known if he continued with his performance.
The six chair challenge sees the remaining contestants fight for a place in the next round of X Factor, which is judges's house.
During the six chair challenge contestants perform a song and either get given a seat or get knocked out of the competition.
Those who get a seat must not be outperformed by a contestant who comes after them or risk losing their chair, and must keep it until the end of the round to make it through.
