There has been a lot of talk about this year’s X Factor, which started long before filming began. Judges quitting, new judges being signed up, old judges possibly coming back... it’s been drama from the word go, as those of you with Heat magazine subscriptions will already know.
It began with the news that Simon Cowell was starting a US version of the show, which would make him unavailable to judge the UK version. It was then announced that Cheryl Cole would be joining him, though it wasn’t long before she was “sacked”, but Cole decided not to return to the UK show. Dannii Minogue also announced that she would not be returning either, which only left Louis Walsh as a judge.
We all wondered who would be able to replace that line-up - Simon Cowell as “Mr. Nasty” himself, Cheryl Cole as the nation’s sweetheart and Dannii Minogue as the voice of reason. So when it was announced that joining Louis would be Gary Barlow (from Take That, though we’re sure you know), Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos from N-Dubz, we won’t lie, we were a little dubious.
So when the first episode aired on Saturday night, we all wondered how we’d feel watching three newbies sit in those famous seats, giving desperate hopefuls a yes or a no. But it seems out worry was all for nothing, as the judges proved themselves worthy of their spots. Kelly and Tulisa still provide the glamour that Dannii and Cheryl gave the show, whilst Gary has filled Simon’s shoes without batting an eyelid.
Reports say that 12.6million viewers watched the opening episode on Saturday night, proving that the change in judges hasn’t put us off.
“I am thrilled with the numbers. The new judging team are doing a brilliant job and I think the show feels even better this year,” says Simon Cowell, who is still a producer on the show.
Whether the show will continue to be so successful remains to be seen, but after being given a taste of the talent on offer in the first episode, we’re sure people will continue to tune in whilst our Heat magazine will give us all of the inside gossip on everyone from the judges to the contestants.
Subscribe and save on a Heat magazine subscription today.
Posted by Claire Sharp.