The X Factor boot camp stage has reportedly seen 60 contestants dropped before having the chance to sing.

The Sun newspaper reports that the judges informed the crowds in Liverpool that 60 would be dismissed immediately. A source to the show told the paper that “It was carnage” as the producers of the show look for a higher calibre of acts this year.

During the auditions a number of guest judges had to cover as producers rushed to find a replacement for Kelly Rowland. It was initially rumoured that former judge Dannii Minogue was close to signing a contract, but pulled out at the last moment.

Geri Halliwell, Rita Ora and former winner Leona Lewis were among the guest judges this year. Nicole, who filmed auditions at the O2 in London was later confirmed as the fourth judge.

X Factor returns in August on ITV1 with Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and new judge Nicole Scherzinger.