X Factor 2015: What We Know So Far...

Get ready for Saturday nights to be sent starring dumbfounded at the TV. The X Factor is officially back.

Yes, it’s back. X Factor returns to our screens this Saturday meaning it’s all downhill from now until Christmas. With more sob stories, high-pitched notes and Simon Cowell than ever before plus a judges panel shake up, rumours of backstage drama and not forgetting the usual fash-off, this season is set to be a good one. We give you the low-down on what we know so far: 

The Judges Panel 

With the biggest judges panel shake-up so far, this season is set to be a goodun. Louis Walsh has left the show after a great run – did he even have one winner?! – with BBC Radio One DJ and friend to the stars, Nick Grimshaw taking his place, while Mel B was swapped out for former The Voice host, Rita Ora. Will the show ever be the same without Louis voting against the grain?! And how will Simon fare being the oldest on the panel?! We’ll just have to wait and see… 

The Dream Team 

The dream team, Olly Murs and Caroline Flack are back and taking over from Dermot O’Leary on presenting duty. Prepare for lashings of on-screen chemistry and leg envy (Caroline, not Olly). We’re hoping these two finally realize that they’re meant for each other and the season ends with an X Factor wedding… 

The Xtra Factor 

If you’ve ever watched BBC Three’s Sweat the Small Stuff you’ll already be well aware that Melvin Odoom and Rochelle Humes are a comedy duo, albeit an unlikely one. As the new presenters of the Xtra Factor, we’ll be expecting more of the same from the love/hate pair. 

The Voice of X Factor 

Perhaps the most upsetting departure of this season is Peter Dickson aka, the voice of X Factor who has confirmed he won’t be returning to the show. Still no word on his replacement but we’re keeping our fingers crossed for Brian Blessed… 

Rugby vs. X Factor 

The X Factor will be playing second fiddle to the Rugby World Cup this year, with the shows run being cut by three live shows and Saturday sessions moving to Sunday to accommodate. What are we meant to do on nights in now?! 

The Auditions 

While a lot of the details have been kept under wraps about the actual contestants, reports have suggested that one hopeful from a previous season has returned, while another turned up with their own backing dancers (keen?!) and someone snogged Simon. Yep. That happened. 

Rita Reveal-Ora 

While pop-star Rita has admitted to feeling nervous about joining the show, she also dropped in that she’s planning an ‘accidental’ nip slip a la Janet Jackson. Oh Rita, you minx. 

Hard Partying Contestants 

We all know that the words ‘free’ and ‘booze’ can throw even the most restrained drinker into a mojito-induced daze and poor hopeful, Ryan Ruckledge is now out of the competition after his hard partying ways got the best of him. After making it to the Bootcamp stage, Ryan – who claimed to be addicted to false tanning injections on This Morning earlier this year - was sent home after making the most of the free bar and not being up to scratch at his audition the next day. We’ve all been there buddy, we've all been there… 

Nick vs. Cheryl 

While things seem pretty peachy between the judges for the time being, there has already been one minor falling out. Grimmy reportedly got on the wrong side of Chezza early on by accidentally referring to her by her old moniker, Cheryl Cole. According to reports, the name slip prompted gasps from the audience and Simon only threw fuel on the fire by shouting ‘awkward’ repeatedly into his microphone. AWKWARD.