Now That’s What I Call The X Factor! Returning to the panel are Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.
X Factor panel confirmed featuring returning favourites
The UK’s most talked about TV show, The X Factor, is back. And today (1st June) ITV, Syco and Thames have confirmed the return of some of the show’s most loved judges.
Rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger and chart maestro Louis Walsh, will sit alongside The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell on the panel.
They will join returning host Dermot O’Leary to kick off the new series. In addition, one of the fans’ favourite aspects of the show has been revived, the legendary room auditions.
The judges’ auditions will begin on Friday June 10th at the home of the Premier League Champions, Leicester City’s King Power Stadium in Leicester.
Speaking of her return, Sharon said: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”
Nicole Scherzinger was a hugely popular judge on The X Factor in 2012 and 2013, securing victory in her first series with James Arthur and proving a huge hit with viewers for her enthusiastic and passionate approach. As a singer, Nicole has achieved global success, selling millions of records both as one of The Pussycat Dolls and then as a solo artist.
Nicole said: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel. I'm excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year. And having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it.”
Music manager and X Factor legend Louis Walsh reprises his role on the panel, returning for a record-breaking 12th series as a UK X Factor judge.
Talking about his comeback, Louis said: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.”
Talking about the new series, Simon warned: ‘Be careful what you wish for!’
ITV Director of Television Kevin Lygo said: “Simon, Sharon, Louis and Nicole – they’re a formidable judging panel by anyone’s standards. With Dermot hosting and the return of the audition rooms, there’s a lot to look forward to this series, as we welcome back one of our biggest entertainment brands.”
Managing Director, Thames TV and Interim CEO FremantleMedia UK Richard Holloway, said: “I’m delighted that we have such a talented team reunited on the judging panel for the new series, especially as they’ve all previously won the show. It’s great to have them all back along with Dermot and the return of the audition rooms”
