YOUR 7-DAY TV GUIDE
THE rollercoaster is set to begin again...
It may only seem like a matter of moments since Rak-Su defeated Grace Davies to become the 2017 champions, but the entire X Factor shebang is starting once more.
The hip-hop boy band quartet promptly released their debut single, Dimelo, which was beaten to the top spot by Ed Sheeran’s Perfect. They’re now working on their first album; Wyclef Jean is rumoured to be lending them a hand.
It’s been a low-key start to Rak-Su’s pop career, and whoever is celebrating this December will no doubt be hoping to launch their career in a more spectacular fashion.
The show itself has undergone some rather dramatic changes ahead of the 15th run.
Earlier this year, long-standing judge Louis Walsh stated, “I’ve had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor, but the show needs a change and I’m ready to leave.”
When it was also revealed that Nicole Scherzinger would not be back, the rumour mill started churning on who may replace them. We found out on July 17 when ITV announced that Simon Cowell would be joined by Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Field and somebody who knows better than most what the contestants are going through – One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson.
“This new panel is all about optimism, everyone has a real passion for finding a new star,” says Cowell. “The three new judges bring a whole new energy and I’m excited.”
“For nearly 30 years I’ve been touring,” adds Williams, while explaining why he took the job. “I’ve been wanting to branch out and The X Factor felt like the perfect vehicle. I’m looking forward to getting started!”
His other half, an actor and Loose Women regular, believes she has lots of experience to bring to the show: “On a professional level I’ve auditioned for years so I know the highs and lows. I know what it takes to help people achieve their dreams. It’s all about the auditionees, it’s an organic process. The fact I get to work with Rob and against him is fantastic!”
Here’s hoping there won’t be too much marital friction caused by their competitiveness during the series...
Finally, Doncaster lad Tomlinson sees being a judge as an opportunity to branch out: “The X Factor for me made a lot of sense. Development of artists is something I’ve been interested in for a long time. Having been on the show myself I know firsthand that the live shows are like nothing else you would experience. I’m looking forward to guiding auditionees through the process.”
Sharon Osbourne is also set to join in the fun for the live editions, which means there will be five judges for the first time.
But it’s not all change – Dermot O’Leary is back as host, and the Six Chair Challenge also returns.
The fun gets under way tonight with the auditions – expect to see a real mixed bag of wannabe stars as sorting the wheat from the chaff begins.