Here's everything you need to know about X Factor 2018

From Digital Spy

We need to talk about The X Factor 2018.

It may sound like we're getting excited a little prematurely, but work is already well underway on the new series. Behind closed doors, Simon Cowell has already held talks about who should be on this year's judging panel, what changes he wants to introduce and whether Dermot O'Leary should return as host.

Although ITV will be keeping typically tight-lipped over exact details until nearer the launch, details have started to slip through the net. Here is what we know so far – but remember to bookmark this page because we'll be updating it regularly with every snippet of information that comes our way. Enjoy!

1. X Factor 2018 start date: When is it back?

The X Factor usually starts on the August Bank Holiday weekend. So we're pretty certain the launch date for 2018 will be Saturday, September 1 on ITV.

Traditionally, the live shows start around two months later in late October.

2. X Factor 2018 changes: Will there be any major reshuffles?

We're pretty sure there's never been a year where Simon and his team haven't had some new tricks up their sleeves. One of the biggest changes in store for X Factor 2018 is that ITV is taking the show abroad. On the show's official Twitter account, it was announced that open auditions would take place on the sunny shores of Benidorm and Tenerife:

Could this be a sign of things to come?

Elsewhere, there have been huge chances to the judges' panel this year. On that note...

3. X Factor 2018 judges: Who's in the hot seat(s)?

Now, it's finally official – Simon Cowell will be joined at the judges' desk this year by Robbie Williams, Ayda Field and One Direction's Louis Tomlinson. And Sharon Osbourne will be part of the panel for the live shows, too.

Louis Walsh confirmed last month that contrary to earlier reports, he was departing from the show after 13 years as judge, while Nicole Scherzinger is also not returning.

"I've had a fantastic 13 years on The X Factor, but the show needs a change and I'm ready to leave," Louis said at the time.

Dermot O'Leary had previously teased that Simon is looking at bringing in two new judges to the panel this year. "Yep, so that's five judges," he told new!. "There could be five judges. I'd like there to be five judges!"

And there were a few names in the mix before the official announcement. At one point, Cheryl was the hot favourite to replace Nicole, – with Craig David also in the running.

4. X Factor 2018 presenters: Who is on the mic?

Given he hosted the judges' announcement, it looks Dermot O'Leary will be returning as host. Earlier this year, he told Digital Spy that he's already "had the first X Factor meeting with the producers", adding: "Hopefully they're happy for me to carry on and do more of the same."

Fingers crossed because it really wouldn't be the same without Dermot – no offence, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs!

5. X Factor 2018 auditions: How do I take part?

Open auditions kicked off in April across the country. To find out where your nearest venue is, click here. Alternatively, anyone hoping to be the next One Direction, Little Mix or Leona Lewis was able to apply online or via WhatsApp.

And arena auditions in front of the judges start on July 18.

6. X Factor 2018: Will there be guest judges?

Simon and his team have always splashed the cash on huge names to help pick the finalists at Judges' Houses – and the star-studded line-up never fails to make front page news. So we can't imagine this year will be any different.

In the 2017 series, Nicole brought grime legend Stormzy to help her out in South Africa. Simon's got a tough job on his hands topping that signing!

7. Who won X Factor 2017?

Come on, it hasn't been that long has it? Rak-Su were last year's winners – as if you really needed reminding!

Rak-Su J, Ashley, Pharoahcious and Myles were the clear favourites to be crowned champions from the moment they first auditioned. Since their win, the lads have had a Top Ten hit and are currently working on their debut album – with a little help from the legendary Wyclef Jean, so we hear.

If their success isn't enough to inspire you to audition for X Factor 2018, we're not sure what is.

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