Season 14
That time of year has come around again as Britain's biggest singing competition kicks off its 14th season.
This year's season sees plenty of familiar faces – both on the judging panel and on the presenting team – returning once more, and high drama and top talent remain the order of the day as more hopeful singers and groups step on to the stage in a bid to win a coveted recording contract.
Music and talent show mogul Simon Cowell leads the judging panel again this year, alongside returning music industry experts and seasoned judges Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.
Sticking with last year's format, the process kicked off with closed room auditions in cities around the country earlier this year. Which city will provide the most talent this time round?
This year's competition will also see the return of the Six Chair Challenge following the initial auditions, which is one of the most nailbiting stages for both judges and contestants – even more so this time round as there is a twist in store for the judges.
Dermot O'Leary will be offering his unique take on all the X Factor action, doling out friendly support for the hopeful contestants and dealing with the formidable four on the judging panel as only he knows how.
As the auditionees line up in their thousands, what outstanding vocals and sensational performances await?
Host
Dermot O'Leary
Judges / Mentors
Simon Cowell
Sharon Osbourne
Nicole Scherzinger
Louis Walsh
Created by Simon Cowell, The X Factor is produced by FremantleMedia's Thames (previously Talkback Thames) and Cowell's production company SycoTV.