The X Factor

*Girl group Little Mix are The X Factor champions of 2011*

Subtlety and The X Factor are not words that go together and you won’t be surprised to read that this, the eighth series, will be bigger, bolder, longer and louder as ITV searches for the nation’s next pop star.

Louis Walsh and the three new judges – Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow – are undertaking the massive task of sifting through the good, the bad and the ungodly before mentoring one of four categories: Boys (16-24 years), Girls (16-24 years), Over-25s and the Groups.

American star Kelly has been loving the experience so far and says the new judges get on famously: “Our chemistry is incredible. We’re all so different but we have so much fun, backstage there are always smiles, laughter and messing around. I feel blessed being around three so talented people, but let’s not forget what we’re here for because I know once the competition starts things will get competitive!”

And this year’s contestants give the judges more action and entertainment than ever before as Gary is forced to take to the stage to eject rejects, Kelly mops up tears, Tulisa rows with an angry contestant and Louis finds an Irish singer he doesn’t like…

Gary doesn’t see the point in mincing his words with X Factor auditionees: “I don’t think it’s about dashing people’s hopes, it’s about being real with them, but if I’ve disliked a performance, I’ve told them that I didn’t really enjoy it very much. We have to be real with them.”

There are major changes to the format of the long-running talent show, including extra audition shows; the biggest ever Bootcamp, where contestants will perform to an audience of thousands; more reality action as contestants are filmed living together for the first time; and the show ending with a spectacular live final in front of 10,000 fans at Wembley Arena.

While the judges are new in X Factor terms, they’re not wet behind the ears, as longtime judge Louis found out. “Of course, I’ve given them all advice, whether they’ve listened and taken it is another matter! After eight years on the show and being the only surviving original judge I was expecting to be head judge this year, but on day one Gary stole my head judge mug and sat in Simon’s old seat... There’s always next year I suppose!”

The pressure is on!

The X Factor premieres on ITV1 on Saturday, August 20 at 8pm and will be followed by The Xtra Factor, with new hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs on ITV2.