Simon Cowell's SyCo label has passed on the option to sign any of the other finalists from last year's 'X-Factor' TV show, preferring to concentrate on the career of the show's winner Joe McElderry. The Sony division has the option to sign up any 'X-Factor' finalists, but is only committed to release an album by the overall winner.

Of course, the last series' novelty act Jedward has already been signed to a management deal with Louis Walsh and Global Radio's artist management agency, and will release their 'Ice Ice Baby' cover via Sony.

But the future careers of the likes of Stacey Solomon, Danyl Johnson and last season's runner-up Olly Murs remains unclear. Though they do have the 'X-Factor' tour and then a Butlins residency still to come, so still plenty to look forward to, then.