Speaking about the 10th series of the X Factor, Simon Cowell said three words he thought he would never say..."Welcome back Sharon!"

Today, it was announced that Sharon Osbourne will return to The X Factor alongside Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh. Dermot O’Leary is also back. Our very own Reality TV Guru, Dean 'Midas' Maynard found out more.

Speaking of her return Sharon Osbourne says: “I couldn’t be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of X factor. I can’t wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!”

Dean 'Midas' Maynard said "I am over the moon that Mrs O is back, she is outspoken, unpredictable, but also has 30 years’ experience in the music industry, welcome back Sharon”

And in the first of an exciting range of new changes for the 10th series of The X Factor, hopefuls will for the first time ever, have to tackle two sets of auditions. First, they will face the judges eyeball to eyeball in an intimate audition room.

If they receive three or more yeses here they will then have to perform for the judges once more, this time in an arena, to prove they can also impress an audience before securing a coveted place at the next stage in the competition.

With 20 years in the music industry, Gary Barlow is one of Britain’s most successful and respected singer songwriters. Commenting on the forthcoming series, he says: “It's great to be back for the 10-year anniversary of X Factor and my third year with the show. This year is looking to be our best yet! To have a winner like James Arthur last year was a big game changer; I really hope that his authenticity and credibility will attract acts of a similar talent this series and I'm very excited about that.”

After winning viewers over with her enthusiasm, energy and her triumphant victory with James Arthur last year, global pop superstar Nicole Scherzinger is hoping to make it a double victory this year. Speaking about the new series she says: “I had so much fun and such a great experience on the show last year, it far exceeded all my expectations! I always give 110% to all I do and I put everything else on hold to focus on X Factor and supporting my Scherzy boys. This year, now that I’ve worked out doing my new music and the show together, I am so excited to get back to the UK, my second home, and get stuck into X Factor 2013!”

And renowned music manager Louis Walsh cements his role on the panel with a record 10th series. Talking of his longevity, Louis says: “I'm back with a vengeance! Ten years on and I'm just as thrilled to be involved in the best show on TV and even more delighted to be re-united with original judge Sharon Osbourne. Let the fun and games commence!”

Host, Dermot O’Leary says: “We’ve got a great line-up this year, and Mrs O is always a riot and a brilliant mentor, it should be fun.”

Open auditions for the series have already seen thousands of hopefuls turn out across the country with the hope of making their dream come true of becoming the next big singing sensation. The judges’ auditions will start on 4th June in Glasgow before visiting Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff. This will be followed by the second stage of judges’ arena auditions in July.

The show is set to return in August.

LATEST NEWS