X Factor 2018: Everything you need to know about start date, judges and auditions

The bad news is that summer is officially coming to an end. The good news is that we'll soon have X-Factor to fill our empty autumn nights.

Simon Cowell will be bringing his once-cult singing show back for a 15th season early next month.

Despite the show suffering something of a rating plunge over the last few years, this season promises a fresh-faced set of judges and new talent.

So, when does X-Factor return to our screens and who will be sitting in those judges' chairs? Here's everything you need to know:

When does X Factor series 15 start?

Although no official date has been confirmed, X-Factor tends to coincide with the August bank holiday.

However, this year the show is being pushed back to September, so our best guess is Saturday, September 1st.

Who are the judges?

It wouldn't be X Factor if the judges weren't chopped and changed about half a million times, would it?

After much of what ITV bosses referred to as "speculation," this year's judges were recently confirmed as Simon Cowell, ex-One Direction member Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams and his wife, Ayda Field.

X Factor veteran Louis Walsh quit the show after 13 years of enduring a love-hate relationship with Cowell. Former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger also confirmed she would not be returning to the show.

Sharon Osbourne will only be returning as a judge for the live shows. Meanwhile, Dermot O'Leary is returning as host.

Hinting at his new job, Tomlinson shared a throwback snap of him auditioning for the X Factor eight years ago on his Instagram.

What else is new this year?

If the host of fresh-faced judges weren't enough, Cowell is also taking the X Factor on tour to Benidorm and Tenerife.

In true lads' holiday spirit, best grab yourself a fishbowl of cheap vodka whilst you're watching these episodes.

Can I still audition?

Yes - you've got until the July 27 to show off your singing skills and prove you've got what it takes.

You can apply via the official website, uploading a video or applying via Whatsapp.

When are the auditions?

Open auditions have already taken place across the country, in locations including London, Birmingham, Hull, Sheffield, Nottingham, Belfast, Manchester, Bristol and Dublin.

Judges' auditions kicked on July 18 at London's Wembley Arena.

Who won last year?

Fun-loving RnB group Rak-Su took the X Factor crown last year and was a firm favourite amongst former X Factor judge Cheryl, who tweeted: "just saw last nights Xf !! Rak-suuuuuuuuuuu come thru boys! Yessss! Obsessed."

The foursome have since made hit record Dimelo and are supporting Little Mix on their Summer Hits tour.

Is this year's X Factor worth watching?

Let's put it this way, it probably won't attract the same amount of hype as Love Island - unless Simon Cowell decides to start coupling up contestants, that is.

Whilst some argue that the show has run its course, it's still a household favourite and if nothing else will give you something to put on in the background whilst you're doing the ironing.

See you on the stage!