X Factor 2016: Nicole Scherzinger SCREAMS as axe-wielding masked man jumps at panel
X FACTOR'S judging panel were left horrified during tonight's show as a masked man wielding an axe rushed the stage.
Rylan storms X-Factor stage to scare Nicole Scherzinger
As Nicole Scherzinger prepared to welcome Ryan Lawrie to ITV stage, a deathly figure appeared behind her with the rest of the panel seemingly looking for security.
However, the stage invader turned out to be Xtra Factor host Rylan Clark-Neal in disguise for the Halloween Fright Night prank.
The spin-off presenter, 28, quickly removed his mask in case the situation escalated.
Dubbed as "The X Factor moment of the year" by viewers, Nicole, 38, didn't seem too pleased.
X Factor 2016: Nicole Scherzinger SCREAMS as axe-wielding masked man jumps at panel
X Factor 2016: Watch out Nicole Scherzinger!
"Rylan scaring Nicole is the highlight of X factor this year," tweeted one fan.
Another viewer posted: "The most frightening thing about #XFactorFrightNight so far has been Rylan creeping up on Nicole Scherzinger! BOO!!"
A third said: "That scare on Nicole was more entertaining than the show itself tonight! Class act Rylan #XFactor."
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X Factor 2016: Rylan scares the panel
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While a fourth laughed: "Rylan that was my favourite moment of this year!!!!! #TheXFactor."
The scare follows a shock return by Bratavio at the beginning of tonight's show, before other "spooky goings on" took place with Honey G observing a crashed UFO.
The X Factor continues tomorrow night on ITV at 8pm.