Tulisa Contostavlos, Louis Walsh and new addtion to the UK X Factor judging panel Nicole Scherzinger put on a united front on Thursday to launch series 9 of Simon Cowell's singing contest.
The rabble that makes up the British showbiz press eagerly gathered at the screening and Q&A at London's majestic Corinthia Hotel, for a first look at Episode One of the X Factor 2012 and a sneak peek at the dynamic between the much-talked about judges.
Even Simon Cowell's ex and eighties pop star Sinitta turned out for the event - perhaps she'll be reporting back to Cowell?
They were of, course, one judge down, with Gary Barlow avoiding the press frenzy to stay close to his family as they continue to recover from the loss of their stillborn daughter the weekend before last.
It was also announced today that Barlow will not be heading abroad for the 'Judge's House' episodes of the new series.
Each judge was introduced onto stage (as if we didn't know who they were) and announced how pleased they were to be here.
Tulisa joked, "You can't take the girl out of Camden," as she attempted to climb down off the stage in her tight yellow bandage dress, instead of taking the more sophisticated stair option like Nicole.
But, despite being worlds apart in background, accents and taste, Tulisa and Nicoles seemed to get on famously. Air kisses were exchanged, along with a lot of praise for each other when the press were obviously angling for digs.
Meanwhile, Louis sat in between the two ladies lapping up the attention, secure in his top dog position, as it was pointed out - this is his ninth year on the show.
Tulisa had a special role at the launch. It was her job to unveil last year's X Factor winners Little Mix with their new single Wings.
Like a proud mother, the singer declared: "These are four of the loveliest people i've worked with, my little muffins," as the girls appeared on stage to perform an acoustic version of their track, primped and preened to within an inch of their lives... don't let that faded denim fool you.
For now, what the judges said and the details of episode one must stay under wraps, but check back here on Friday for all the stories from the day.
As for what you can expect from the show? Fans won't be disappointed, the X Factor has still got the shock factor, the comedy and the talent that keeps us coming back year after year.
Pictures of today's launch...
