X Factor 2017: All you need to know

If you’re like us, every Saturday night from September to December in your calendar will already be marked with a big thick X, which of course means only one thing.

Yes, the X Factor is back.

Simon Cowell’s talent show has been underway for some time with auditions taking place around the country since the beginning of summer, but the live shows are yet to air and this time round there will be a few small tweaks and changes that you’ll need to be aware of to keep up in the loop.

For instance, gone is the silly juke box round and back is the Six Chair Challenge – which presenter Dermot O’Leary reportedly hates. Oops! And we couldn’t be more excited to hear the rumours that Harry Styles is set to make an appearance.

So here are all your X Factor questions answered ahead of the live shows.

When is The X Factor back on TV?

ITV have announced that the talent show will return on Saturday 2 September at 8pm.

Who are the judges this year?

The same as last year – for once! We have Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger (with Alesha Dixon covering her for one show), Louis Walsh and the man himself – Simon Cowell – entertaining us on the judges’ panel.

What curve balls can the contestants expect?

Simon Cowell told revealed at the X Factor London auditions: “All these crazy things we used to do with themes have gone, no more jukeboxes, none of that rubbish this year.

“The public are smart enough to know what’s real, that’s what we are focusing on this year.”

So the Six Chair Challenge has been scraped?

No. The terrifying X Factor round – which Dermot O’Leary so harshly criticised last year – is back and with a shocking twist.

The first big singing round with a live audience will feature the Six Chair Challenge, despite moans and groans from all corners of the X Factor camp.

The contestants sing in front of an audience and the judges offer a chair to people they want to put through to the Judges Houses – the final stage before the live shows. However, acts aren’t safe just because they have a seat, and can be replaced if the judge wishes. The lucky six left in the chairs win a spot at the judges’ houses, the last stage before the live finals.

What is different about the Six Chair Challenge this year?

It’s tougher for the judge, because this year they are being made to watch their acts away fron the other judges, so that they can not be swayed by the judge’s opinions. This year, Sharon cried when she had to pick her final six and the crowd booed her. And, it took so long for the judges to decide that Simon reportedly fell asleep while waiting for his turn.

Dermot is not a fan of this round, slamming it last year by saying, “I don’t think it’s a ­particularly nice bit of ­TV.

“One of the reasons ­people like Strictly is because it’s a very warm show, and you have to keep that in mind.”

Will people love the new series?

That is for you to decide. Catch up with all things X Factor on our Twitter and Instagram and let us know who you are voting for.

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