After a delayed start, filming for the new series of ‘The X Factor’ is finally underway, as auditions began in Manchester on Wednesday (8 July).
SEE ALSO:
The new panel - made up of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and new recruits Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora - gathered at Event City in Salford to watch a new batch of hopefuls try out.
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
Auditions for the new series were supposed to begin on Monday, but were postponed following the sad news that Simon’s mum, Julie Brett, had passed away, aged 89.
'X Factor' Auditions 2015: Manchester
Today's first set of auditions marked the first time the new-look panel had been seen publicly together, since it was announced that Rita and Grimmy were replacing axed judges Louis Walsh and Mel B last month.
While Simon skipped the red carpet, not wanting to face crowds following his bereavement, Cheryl donned a strappy black crop top and high-waisted black flares as she posed for the cameras.
Cheryl wore a simple black outfit for the first auditions
Meanwhile, Rita transformed into a lady in red in an asymmetric dress, which she wore with a pair of PVC boots that wouldn't look out of place in a Soho emporium.
Rita Ora
New hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack were also pictured on their first day on the job, having replaced Dermot O’Leary earlier this year, when he quit the show after eight series at the helm.
Nick Grimshaw
Olly Murs and Caroline Flack
The duo were joined by new ‘Xtra Factor’ presenters Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom, who were recruited to take over from Sarah-Jane Crawford.
Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom
Producers have been left with a headache following the rescheduling of audition dates, as both Rita and Caroline are unable to attend tomorrow’s rescheduled day of filming, due to prior commitments.
Rita is due to appear at Paris Fashion Week, while Caroline has to fly to Majorca to host the latest ‘Love Island’ eviction.
The team will be heading down to London next Wednesday to film three days of auditions at Wembley Arena.
