X Factor judges prepare for upcoming series in new photo shoot

It’s that time of year again as Summer is about to end and the countdown to Christmas begins. Of course, The X Factor’s back!

Described as the ‘dream team’ – this year’s panel includes; Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger.

To coincide with the show’s upcoming return, they’ve released a bunch of promotional photos as the judges glam up for the cameras.

Asked about how she feels of her return, Sharon answered: “It feels really right to be back at this time, it feels good. Simon said he wanted the show to be back to the way it was, small audition rooms, he wanted everyone to have fun.”

“Listen, we’re all competitive with one another because we all want to win, nobody wants to sit there the last few weeks with no one in your category, but at the same time, we’re not so badly competitive. We want to take it seriously but at the same time enjoy what we’re doing and have fun on camera and off air too.”

Nicole also expressed her delight of returning, saying: “It feels like home sweet home, I’ve missed the UK and obviously me, Sharon and Louis were together on our last season.”

“I haven’t been on a show with Simon in a few years and he’s really awesome, he’s not as scary as I remember! It’s a great feeling on the panel, a really natural, family, homey vibe, nothing is forced and there’s a lot of positive, fun energy.”

Louis Walsh, who was axed from the show back in 2015, insisted there’s no bad blood between the judges: “Honestly, we all get on so well, but we all have opinions and we all bring different things to the show.”

He also made a funny dig at fellow judge Simon, joking: “Simon is very relaxed and he’s very funny this year. And he’s looking younger this year, have you noticed? What has he done? Something’s happened? Maybe it’s the lighting.”

Show creator and music manager, Simon Cowell also discussed his and Louis’s special friendship, saying: “Me and Louis have a relationship that goes back a long way. Louis’ naughty, the auditions are long days but he makes it much more fun.”

He added: “I was actually thinking that about all of them actually, it’s like a little reunion, they are all on great form. Me and Sharon are a bit like Tom and Jerry, but we love each other secretly, and Nicole is slightly nuts, I love that. Then there’s Dermot, I missed him so much.”

Another fan favourite returning to the show is past host, Dermot O’Leary who revealed his ‘excitement’ over this year’s judging panel.

You can also watch some behind the scenes footage of the glamorous photoshoot below:

The X Factor returns Saturday and Sunday 8pm on ITV.

Will you be watching the new series? Tweet us at @CelebMix!