Photo: WENN
X Factor bosses have pulled the wool over viewers eyes - broadcasting a One Direction performance on this weekend's show that was filmed back in October of this year.
The boyband performed their new single 'Little Things' on the show, and host Dermot O'Leary gave the impression that the boys were live in the studio - despite being careful to never actually say so.
He introduced One Direction by announcing, "We have been celebrating the best of British tonight and they don’t come any bigger or any more British than our next special guest.
"They have conquered the world and it all began for them here. We’re the proudest parents on the planet as we welcome back with their new single - One Direction."
After the performance of 'Little Things', O'Leary pointed at the stage and gave a thumbs up. Not only that, but when the judges were shown applauding, they were wearing the same outfits for the pre-record as they did during the actual live show - to give the impression that it was all happening on the same night.
However, the performance was actually recorded on 30 October - and the live show happened on 10 November. The truth came out when band members Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik were all seen in LA at the same time the TV show was live.
Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan out and about in LA at the same time.
An X Factor spokesperson said, "One Direction were pre-recorded as they are out of the country this weekend. The X Factor played it out as live but we have never tried to hide the fact it was a pre-record."
'Little Things' was written by Ed Sheeran, and the boys recently opened up to The Daily Record about what it was like working with him - especially as they'd all previously been fans of Ed.
Louis said, "Working with Ed was great, we've all got quite close to him. It's nice to have friends in the industry, especially Ed. You listen to Ed and think, 'I wish I’d thought of that lyric'."
Bandmate Zayn added, "Working with Ed is always fun, always cool. His studio is in the middle of nowhere in a field, so it's a really chilled-out vibe."
Watch the band's pre-recorded performance below:
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