'X Factor' 2016: Judges Get To Work On New Series As Auditions Kick Off

It was the first day back at school for the returning 'X Factor' judges on Friday (10 June), as auditions for the new series kicked off. 

Simon Cowell reunited with former panellists Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger, as they staged their return to the ITV talent show. 

It had been thought both Simon and host Dermot O'Leary could miss the first day of auditions, after falling ill over the last few days, but both managed not to hand in a sick note. 

The 2016 'X Factor' team also posed for the first official pictures of this year's judging line-up before the try-outs in Leicester at the King Power Stadium.  

 They will now hold auditions across the country, hoping to unearth the newest singing talent.

Simon rehired his former colleagues in the hope of improving on last year's lacklustre 12th series, which struggled in the ratings. 

2015 judges Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora all announced their departures earlier this year, while Dermot has also been reinstated as presenter, after being replaced by Caroline Flack and Olly Murs in last year's shake up. 

Sharon, Louis and Nicole announced their returns earlier this month, with original judge Mrs O - who was last on the panel in 2013 - stating she was "overjoyed" to be back. 

Nicole, who starred on both the 2012 and 2013 series, added: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel."

After being ditched for Radio 1 DJ Grimmy last year, Louis was also pleased to have his old seat back.

“He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year!" he said.  

'The X Factor' returns to ITV in the autumn. See more pictures from the first day of auditions below...