When is ‘The X Factor’ back on TV?(01 of11)
Open Image ModalThe 12th series of the talent show will return with a 90-minute special on Saturday 29 August at 8pm on ITV. This will be followed by a second show on Sunday 30 August at the same time. (credit:ITV)
Who are the judges this year?(02 of11)
Open Image ModalUnless you’ve been living under a stone for the past few months, you’ll know that Louis Walsh has finally left the show after 11 series, along with Mel B, who lasted just a year on the panel. In their places are new recruits Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw, who join Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. While there was initially widespread negativity about their appointment, after seeing the judges in action, we reckon the newbies could surprise some people. (credit:Syco/Thames)
Who’s hosting?(03 of11)
Open Image ModalDermot O’Leary was also a casualty of the shake up, and has left his role as presenter after eight series. Former ‘Xtra Factor’ hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs will be stepping up to the main show, having hosted the spin-off show together in 2011 and 2012. Sarah Jane Crawford has also departed ‘The Xtra Factor’ after just one series, and has been replaced by The Saturdays’ Rochelle Humes and radio DJ Melvin Odoom. (credit:Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Archive)
What about the voice over man?(04 of11)
Open Image ModalUnbelievably, the voice of ‘The X Factor’, Peter Dickson, is no more. The iconic announcer has revealed he has left the show after 11 years shouting out names such as “RAAAACHEL ADDEEDDEEJIIII!”. It’s certainly the end of an era. (credit:Gareth Cattermole via Getty Images)
What sort of auditions will there be this year?(05 of11)
Open Image ModalAfter a fleeting return, the room auditions have been axed again, in favour of a single, arena audition format. This time around though, the judges only travelled to two cities - London and Manchester - to see the talent on offer. (credit:Twitter)
Will the Six Chair Challenge return?(06 of11)
Open Image ModalYes. Despite calls for the controversial segment of Bootcamp to be axed, the Six Chair Challenge will return for a third series. However, Bootcamp is reportedly getting a makeover. While it has been held at Wembley for the last few years, Simon Cowell has reportedly ordered the early stages to be return to the traditional country manor house setting, in the hope of raunching things up, and getting to see the contestants in a ‘Big Brother’ style environment. The action will then head back to the arena for the Six Chair Challenge, which will be filmed on 1 and 2 September. (credit:Dymond/Thames/Rex)
What about Judges Houses?(07 of11)
Open Image ModalReports suggest that Judges Houses will be broadcast live this year as part of a shake up to the episodes which reveal who has made the live finals. However, this means that while the judges and contestants will still jet out to exotic locations, hosts Caroline and Olly will have to remain in the UK to co-ordinate all the performances, which will be happening across the world at the same time.
Who will be helping the judges at their homes?(08 of11)
Open Image ModalDannii Minogue is said to be making a comeback to help Cheryl at her Judges Home, having reportedly been requested by the singer to help her out. Paloma Faith has been mooted as a possible name to help out Grimmy, in move made by Simon to stop her signing up for ‘The Voice’. However, it seems Sinitta’s days at Judges Houses are up, as Simon is apparently furious with his BFF for slating the new judges and it looking to get someone in to replace her. But no-one wears palm leaf quite like Sinitta, Si! (credit:Zak Hussein/PA Archive)
What are the changes to the live shows?(09 of11)
Open Image ModalWhile the show has traditionally aired on Saturday and Sunday nights for many years now, with performances on one and results on another, scheduling of the Rugby World Cup is giving producers a headache. ITV are contractually obliged to show all of England’s games in October, some of which take place in ‘X Factor’s Saturday night slot. One option that is being considered is to air a bumper show on Sunday nights on these weekends, while some reports suggest that the live shows will run for a fewer number of weeks, launching after the World Cup. (credit:Rex)
Will the categories change?(10 of11)
Open Image ModalOne suggestion that Cheryl has made a passionate plea for, would see each judge take on a contestant from each of the four traditional categories - the Boys, Girls, Over 25s and Groups - but nothing has yet been confirmed by Simon or producers. (credit:Syco//Thames)
Will the series be broadcast abroad?(11 of11)
Open Image ModalGood news if you love ‘X Factor’ but don’t live in the UK - US broadcaster AXS TV have picked up the rights to air the show for a second series. (credit:Twitter)