Katrina Rees
After months of rumours and speculation, this year’s X Factor judging panel has finally been revealed.
Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger will all be making a welcome return to the show, alongside head judge Simon Cowell.
The news comes after Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw quit the judging panel after last year’s series.
Speaking of her return to the panel, 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 also shared her excitement about returning to the panel, stating: “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.”
Sharon was an original judge on the panel for the first four series’ and later made a one year return in 2013, winning the series with Sam Bailey. Nicole was also a judge in 2013 and previously won in 2012 with James Arthur.
Also making a welcome return this year is Louis Walsh, who has been a key part of the judging panel from day one, until he was replaced last year. Speaking of his big 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.”
The new judging panel will be joined by host Dermot O’Leary, who is also making a comeback this year. He quit the show last year to pursue other projects, but was asked to return. It has also been revealed that the room auditions will be returning.
The first judges’ auditions begin on Friday June 10 in Leicester City’s King Power Stadium.
We’re excited to see the show returning to its old ways and look forward to seeing what the latest series of X Factor will have in store for us when it returns to our screens later this year!
Are you pleased with the judging panel announcement? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.
