X Factor 2014: When Does It Start, Who Are The Judges And Who Is Presenting?

THE X Factor 2014 looks set to be a cracker, as Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole (AKA Cheryl Fernandez-Versini) return to the judging panel for series 11. 

Here are ALL THE DETAILS of this year's show…

When does it start?
Nothing's been confirmed, but Saturday, August 30 looks like the most likely date.
Who is presenting?
Dermot O'Leary will return for his eighth series as show host. Over on ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson have left, and BBC Radio 1 Extra DJ Sarah-Jane Crawford will take over presenting duties.

Dermot O'Leary is back as presenter for series 11 of The X Factor

 

Who is on the judging panel?

Simon Cowell is back after four years away from the UK panel (he's been busy on the now axed US version). Joining him will be his 'frenemy' Cheryl Cole, and his old mate Louis Walsh.
Former Spice Girl Mel B also joins the line-up as a permanent judge, having impressed on Australia's Got Talent and during guest slots on the UK X Factor panel.
There'll be no Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow or Sharon Osbourne this year, but expect fireworks between Cheryl and Simon, (who have a whole lotta history), and Cheryl and Louis, who have never exactly been BFFs, either.

Cheryl Cole returns to the judging panel after a four-year absence 

 

Are there any twists?

Last year there were some BIG changes to the show, and some of them have survived. Auditions will take place in a closed room, not an arena, and the Six-Chair Challenge will provide plenty of drama at Boot Camp stage.
There have also been whispers of a fifth judge during the live shows, which should do away with any infuriating deadlock situations. This. Must. Happen.

The new judging panel line-up consists of Louis Walsh, Mel B, Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell

So which judges have which categories?
Simon has dibs on the over 25s, Cheryl has the girls, Mel B has the boys, and Louis gets the groups.
Related article: Which celebrities will join the X Factor judges at Judges' Houses? 
Who else is involved?
Cheryl is reported to have roped in her old pal Will.i.am, while Simon will be assisted by Paula Abdul and – of course – Sinitta. Some say that Louis may call in Tulisa to lend a hand, and while everyone's hoping for a Spice Girls reunion, we're not holding our breath for an appearance by Victoria Beckham.

The Voice's Will.i.am is tipped to lend a hand on the rival show [BBC1] 

 

What else can we tell you?

With the likes of Adele, U2, Madonna, and of course Cheryl all releasing new albums in the run-up to Christmas, we can expect some stellar performances. And we wouldn't be surprised at a return to the stage from Tulisa, who will be relaunching her music career after her drugs charges were thrown out of court.

Will Tulisa be making a guest appearance on The X Factor?