Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw and pop star Rita Ora have been announced as new judges on The X Factor, taking the places of Mel B and Louis Walsh.
Rita, who was a judge on last year's series of BBC1's The Voice, said: "I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012. This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. It’s the new generation taking over. Booooom"
Rita first appeared on The X Factor in 2012 as a guest judge and burst on to the music scene in 2012, scoring a No 1 single with her collaboration with DJ Fresh on Hot Right Now. She went on to have a No 1 debut album which produced two further No 1 singles. The first single from her second album, ‘I Will Never Let You Down’, became her fourth UK number one when it debuted at the top of the charts.
Nick said: "I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I'm hugely excited to be joining the show. Music is my job and my passion and I'm really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can't wait for Judges' Houses in Oldham!"
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini returns to the panel for her fifth series, after last year taking Lauren Platt all the way to the semi-finals. As the only British female to have five solo number 1 singles in the UK, Cheryl is one of the nation’s most successful female recording artists.
Cheryl was previously a judge on The X Factor from series five to series seven, securing victory in 2008 with Alexandra Burke and 2009 with Joe McElderry.
Cheryl said: “I haven't been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge. The addition of Rita and Grimmy along with some interesting changes we've made to the format has refocused us to do what we do best, finding talent and making stars. I cannot wait to get started!”
The X Factor judge and mogul Simon Cowell said: "It’s taken a while! But I am very happy to be able to confirm our line-up of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun! They all bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion for music to the show.
“I have a feeling I am in for a bit of a rough time but sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and now, with luck, we hope to find a star.”
Video applications for the new series of The X Factor are still being taken. Apply here.
