One Direction's Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson have taken to Twitter in support of X Factor contestant James Arthur.

Despite being a favourite for this year's crown, Arthur found himself in the bottom two of the competition last week, and narrowly avoided elimination.

The result - which saw fan favourite Ella Henderson depart the show - caused uproar, and One Direction have taken to Twitter tonight in support of Arthur.

Horan ‏wrote: "Wow @JamesArthur23 was incredible tonight! He's gonna sell unbelievable amounts of records! Can't wait to buy that album! @thexfactor", before Tomlinson added: "Come on James !!! What a vocal @JamesArthur23 haste be this years winner ! EVERYBODY pick up the phone and vote 090205051 (sic)."

Arthur impressed with two songs this week, as the last five acts battled it out in the ABBA and Motown themed show.

His first song was ABBA hit 'SOS', before taking to the stage for a sexed-up rendition of 'Let's Get It On'.

The judges - comprising Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa and Louis Walsh - were all highly complimetary of the wannabe star, with Barlow gushing: " James, what a vocal performance! Wow. Brilliant! It is so easy to compare you to Ed Sheeran and Plan B, but you are nothing like them, you are James Arthur! I can’t wait for your record."