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After Over Two Months of deliberating to get to this point, we have our final thirteen contestants and it's finally time for the first live show! It might be Halloween today but there's no Halloween theme this year - instead the contestants will be tackling "This is Me" (although for some of the contestants, maybe that theme will turn out Halloween-appropriate after all).

We've got plenty of X Factor news to get excited about, including the returns of Monica 'Earrings' Michael as a wildcard and one of the best people to ever have been involved in the X Factor franchise, Peter Dickson!

We're excited to finally see the contestants perform live at last. Join us from 8pm and we'll be bringing you all the action live as it happens!

22:24So That's It! The first live show is Done! Thanks so much for joining us. Tomorrow there will be performances...

Everyone breathe a sigh of relief: Peter Dickson will be back on The X Factor.

The man with the booming voice confirmed today that producers had managed to persuade him to return to the show, despite his previous announcement that he'd decided to quit.

And Dickson - famous for getting his mouth around names like Rachel Adedeji - explained that he's excited about shouting out the names of this year's acts.

"While I was looking forward to getting my weekends back I have been so touched by the comments of thousands of fans of the show who were disappointed at my departure, that I am now delighted to say I'm back at The X Factor microphone and really looking forward to tackling the names of this season's finalists - especially Bupsi!" Dickson said. "I'll try to make it sound as nasty as possible!"

Dickson was absent from the Judges' Houses,...

The X Factor is well and truly under way, and we've been keeping an eye on everything that's been going on...

When is The X Factor on TV?

The show kicked off on August 29 - and in fact, in an attempt to avoid any clashes with Strictly Come Dancing, ITV bosses have unveiled the full schedule right from the off, so we know everything that's coming. You can get a proper look at it here, but auditions continued until Saturday, September 19 with Boot Camp kicking off on September 20. That was the first of five boot camp shows - two set in a country house, and then three episodes of the dreaded Six Chair Challenge. They were all on Sundays, to avoid the Rugby World Cup, but then Judges' Houses aired on October 24 and October 25... and the first big live show will kick off on October 31. And the grand final? It's set for Sunday,...

As Peter Dickson himself might have boomed: arrrrre yooouuu rrrrready? Because as The X Factor kicked off its first live shows this weekend, there was a surprise in store: a new voiceover man.

Peter 'Rachel Adedeji' Dickson announced a couple of months ago that he'd decided to quit the show and take his booming voice with him, and so this weekend we heard a very slight snatch of a new voiceover introducing the show. But who's the man behind that American twang?

1. His name is Redd Pepper - and he honed his craft by being a Tube driver

Here are the basics. Unsurprisingly, Redd Pepper is not his real name: the 54-year-old was born Richardson Green in Barbados. He moved to London when he was young and grew up to be a Tube driver, where he'd make silly announcements on the tannoy.

"I used to say stuff like,...

The X Factor knows how to create drama. From the blast of 'O Fortuna' as Simon Cowell and his buddies enter the stage, to former voiceover man Peter Dickson hamming it up, they've got the atmosphere nailed.

One of the most exciting elements of the show will always be the big Sunday night eliminations, especially if the dreaded Deadlock comes into play. Most of the time, the judges get it right, but sometimes there are downright shocks. Here are the biggest to date, brought to you in association with TalkTalk's new Bopheads app:

1. Laura White (series 5)

Wigan lass Laura was tipped for X Factor success in 2008's early stages, but found herself in a tough girls group with the public's favourite indie fairy Diana Vickers and future victor Alexandra Burke. Even so, no-one expected her to leave as early as the fifth week, especially with Ricky Gervais lookalike Daniel Evans still knocking around.

The X Factor is well and truly under way, and we've been keeping an eye on everything that's been going on...

When is The X Factor on TV?

The show kicked off on August 29 - and in fact, in an attempt to avoid any clashes with Strictly Come Dancing, ITV bosses have unveiled the full schedule right from the off, so we know everything that's coming. You can get a proper look at it here, but auditions continue until Saturday, September 19 with boot camp kicking off on September 20. That's the first of five boot camp shows - two set in a country house, and then three episodes of the dreaded Six Chair Challenge. They're all on Sundays, to avoid the Rugby World Cup, but once that's out of the way, we'll get live Judges' Houses on October 24 and October 25... and then come the big live shows from October 31. And the grand final?...

The X Factor is coming! The show returns on Saturday, so of course we headed to the glitzy launch in London to squeeze Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Nick Grimshaw, Caroline Flack, Olly Murs, Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom (phew) for juicy gossip on the red carpet. And we got some, too - read on for some tantalising teasers...

1. Olly and Caroline aren't afraid to disagree with the judges (but it's kind of pointless)

Yep, the new hosts haven't been afraid to tell the judges when they think they've made a mistake sending someone home. "We did it once," Caroline told us. "I ran out and went, 'I think you should put them through!' And Grimmy just went, 'No'." Olly laughed: "We were told if there's anyone that we believe in, to go on stage and give the judges a go. So we did that. Didn't quite work… but we're...

Rita Ora is arguably the busiest woman in pop at right now - she'll be missing this week's grand premiere of The X Factor due to her ongoing promotional tour in the Us.

The 23-year-old 'Poison' singer - who will make her debut on the judging panel with fellow newbie Nick Grimshaw this weekend - is missing Wednesday's big launch event because of pre-planned work commitments.

"Rita is unable to attend the press launch as she is on tour in the Us - organised prior to signing up," her spokesperson told Mail Online.

The remaining three judges - Grimshaw, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell - will be in attendance at the event in the capital.

Ora missed an X Factor audition in London last month to perform at a pre-planned fashion show for an underwear label in Italy.

Her upcoming single 'Body On Me' with Chris Brown arrives just in time for the Us tour.

The countdown starts here - ITV has unveiled the first trailer for The X Factor 2015.

Fans of the show have spent all day trying to unlock the trailer on social media, and now we've got our first look at the new-look judging line-up and presenting team.

The X Factor 2015: Everything we know so far including the judges, auditions and rumours

The trailer sees brand new hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs enter The X Factor laboratory to find out the secret formula of the singing competition.

The X Factor 2015: 8 big changes that have been made this series

New judge Nick Grimshaw is shown being fitted with a special judging microchip and soon starts saying old, familiar catchphrases, while fellow newcomer Rita Ora is put through feedback training - but gets a little too easily distracted.

Meanwhile, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has been turned into a 'Chez-bot' and cloned several times...

It would seem that Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell will still be behaving like a bickering - yet comfortable - old married couple on this series of The X Factor.

The judges of the ITV talent competition, who will be joined on the panel by new additions Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw, often display a love/hate relationship on the show - and Cheryl has promised this year will be no different.

The X Factor 2015: 8 big changes that have been made this series

"Me and Simon are still rowing. He knows which buttons to press," the 32-year-old star told The Sun. "Sometimes I want to move away from him but he won't let us change seats. He just really wants to wind me up to get a response.

"I don't think I'll throw glasses of water on him - I think those days are done. Maybe I'll use a high heel.

Enter The X Factor's secret underground lab in the first advert for this year's series.

The new promo - which will be shown tonight on ITV at 7.30pm before Coronation Street - will see the show's new presenting duo Caroline Flack and Olly Murs discover the secret formula of the popular singing competition.

The X Factor 2015: Everything we know so far including the judges, auditions and rumours

New judge Nick Grimshaw is shown being fitted with a special judging microchip, but he soon realises he has last year's model when he can't stop saying: "You look like a popstar, you sound like a popstar."

Fellow newbie Rita Ora is shown sitting through feedback training, while Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has been turned into a robot and multiplied for every possible emotional outcome during the series.

The X Factor 2015: 8 stars who could replace 'Voiceover Man' Peter Dickson on the show...

Nick Grimshaw wants Shaggy to be 'The X Factor's new voiceover artist. The 30-year-old judge is hoping the 'It Wasn't Me' hitmaker will join the ITV singing competition for the upcoming series following the departure of booming TV announcer Peter Dickson, who has quit the show after 11 years. He said: ''I thought Shaggy could replace him, I thought that'd be nice don't you think?'' The BBC Radio 1 DJ isn't the only one who would like to see the 46-year-old singer come on board as fellow judge Rita Ora was also enthusiastic about the idea. Speaking on ITV's 'Lorraine', she agreed: ''Shaggy would...

Peter Dickson announced less than 24 hours ago that he was quitting his role as voice of The X Factor, but Nick Grimshaw's already been on television suggesting a replacement.

Speaking on ITV's Lorraine this morning, Grimmy suggested that Shaggy should be the one announcing contestants' names in an overblown manner and warning us all that it's time to face the music in the new series.

The X Factor 2015: 8 stars who could replace Voiceover Man Peter Dickson on the show

"I thought Shaggy could replace him," he said. "I thought that'd be nice, don't you think?"

Yes, we do actually, especially if it leads to a Shaggy theme week. Imagine 'It Wasn't Me', 'Angel' and 'Boombastic' all in one show.

And Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora seemed on board too, as Ora said Shaggy would be "great" and Fernandez-Versini agreed that it was a "great idea".

But Fernandez-Versini is...

It's time to face the music. Possibly unable to bear saying "Cheryl Fernandez-Versini" one more time, Peter Dickson - the voice of X Factor itself - has announced that he's decided to "check out and cut loose". Oh well, at least we'll always have Rachel Adedeji.

But the paradox is that while Peter Dickson is irreplaceable, he must also be replaced. It's not going to be easy, but we've come up with a list of eight people who could possibly lend their voices to the tricky task of introducing various hopeful acts as they pursue their dreams on the biggest stage in Britain...

1. Marcus Bentley

The obvious choice. Marcus is best known for his dulcet Geordie tones on Big Brother, which have become increasingly exaggerated as time has gone by ("Toniiiiiiiiiiiiight," he yells, sounding like a gruff puppy whose tail has just been stomped on). He has voiceover experience, he...

We were all very sad to hear that the voice of The X Factor himself, Peter Dickson, has announced that he has chosen to leave the show.

But there was just one person whose reaction we needed to the news. Not Simon Cowell. Not Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Not even Dermot O'Leary.

The X Factor 2015: 8 stars who could replace Voiceover Man Peter Dickson on the show

We're talking about Rachel Adedeji, of course.

Who could forget the perfect way in which Dickson enunciated her moniker when she took part in series six all the way back in 2009? Not us. In fact, we kind of think of it as Dickson's defining moment.

So, clearly, does Rachel, who took to Twitter today to say the following:

@Nat_Jamieson A sad day seeing @peterdickson leave the @TheXFactor.. It just won't be the same without you Sir! X

— Rachel Adedeji (@RachelASongs) July 28, 2015

We couldn't agree more,...

Peter Dickson has quit 'The X Factor'. The booming voiceover artist has revealed he is bowing out of the ITV series after 11 years, having become synonymous with the show since he joined in 2004. Announcing the news on Twitter, he wrote: ''After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it's time for me to check out and cut loose. (sic)'' The 58-year-old TV announcer - who also works on 'Britain's Got Talent' - was known as the distinctive voice of the live shows during which he would announce the contestants as they took to the stage. The news comes ahead of the...

The X Factor will never be the same after Peter Dickson confirmed his departure from the show.

Dickson has been the distinctive voice of the show since it first started in 2004.

Rachel Adedeji saying goodbye to Peter Dickson is the only tweet we need today

The X Factor 2015: Everything we know so far including the judges, auditions and rumours

"After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it's time for me to check out and cut loose," Dickson confirmed on Twitter.

Dickson began his career at the BBC and was the corporation's youngest ever TV news presenter at the age of 17.

He had stints on BBC Radio 2 as an announcer and worked on The Steve Wright Show on Radio 1. His own Peter Dickson's Nightcap ran for four years on Radio 2.

The X Factor 2015: 8 stars who could replace Voiceover Man Peter Dickson on the show

The X Factor...

Peter Dickson has quit 'The X Factor'. The booming voiceover artist has revealed he is bowing out of the ITV series after 11 years, having become synonymous with the show since he joined in 2004. Announcing the news on Twitter, he wrote: ''After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it's time for me to check out and cut loose. (sic)'' The 58-year-old TV announcer - who also works on 'Britain's Got Talent' - was known as the distinctive voice of the live shows during which he would announce the contestants as they took to the stage. The news comes ahead of the...

It's Fright Night on The X Factor this week and boy, wouldn't you know it! Not only are the acts all singing 'Fright Night'-themed songs (or, well, they're supposed to be) but one of them will be booted out before the night is out after Simon Cowell got fed up with them all for not trying hard enough. If that's not all scary enough, The Script will be popping along to perform.

So join us when the show starts at 8pm as we find out who gives us thrills and who gives us chills. And, of course, who's having a right nightmare and will have to leave the competition...

22:12It's not even over - the vote lines are open again, and someone's going to be sent home tomorrow. All your votes still count but we get another free five app ones - hooray! But that's it for...

Know your Christopher Maloneys from your Eoghan Quiggs? Can you remember every song Chico ever performed? Are you the ultimate X Factor fan?

If the answer was 'yes' to any of those questions, why not have a punt at the 33 brainteasers below that should be enough to test even the biggest X Factor addicts?

1. How many acts from the series one Live Shows can you remember?

The Answer is...

Tabby Callaghan, Cassie Compton, Roberta Howett, Steve Brookstein, Verity Keays, Rowetta Satchell, 2 to Go, G4, Voices With Soul.

2. Can you remember every one of The X Factor's 20 judges - including guest panellists at the Live Shows and Auditions?

The Answer is...

Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Gary Barlow, Mel B, Paula Abdul, Brian Friedman, Geri Halliwell, Natalie Imbruglia, Katy Perry, Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora and Anastacia.

After only four weeks of X Factor we're already starting to develop unhealthy obsessions with acts that we love and acts that we love to hate.

Next month we'll be heading to the Live Shows and we've already got a good idea of who we'd love to see getting a glitzy makeover and a bellowing Peter Dickson introduction.

Here are 9 acts we'd love to see every Saturday night this autumn.

1. Raign

Cheryl Cole's Kryptonite and nemesis, Raign is about as naturally likeable as a sharp kick in your naughty bits. But that's also what makes her so incredibly perfect for the Live Shows.

With an ego that would make even Simon Cowell blush, this melodramatic eccentric is exactly the sort of person the show's missed in recent years. Put it this way, we'd rather have Raign than a dozen Nicholas McDonalds.

2. Jake Quickenden

It was a rough decision on...

As we hurtle towards the end of August, one TV show is looming large in the not-so-distant horizon. The X Factor.

Forget all that Big Brother nonsense and soggy bottom silliness on Bake Off. Cowell and Cheryl are back in town and they mean business.

Here is everything we know about the show's 11th series so far...

Warning: Spoilers Ahead

1. When is it back?

Very, very soon. The X Factor has traditionally started in August (ever since series two) and it looks likely that it will return on Saturday, August 30 this year. That is one day earlier than series ten, which kicked off with ratings of 8.78 million.

No doubt Simon Cowell will be wanting to increase those ratings figures in 2014 now that he's back at the helm. He wouldn't want to come off second best to Gary Barlow.

2. The Judges

Simon is back. Nobody mention X Factor USA.

He's managed to persuade Cheryl back.

The Singer Takes It All begins tomorrow - but this ain't your standard talent show. Nope, it's all a bit sillier than that - hopeful contestants will take to a moving walkway to give it their all, but viewers at home can decide on an app whether they deserve to move forward to the Gold Zone (and a potential cash prize) or if they should move backwards and right off the stage. This is going to be good.

But we wanted to know a little bit more, so who better to ask than host Alan Carr himself? Read on for your guide to The Singer Takes It All...

1. This isn't like all those other singing shows - don't expect any sob stories for one thing.

"When [Channel 4] said a singing show, I thought, 'Oh, that's just what Britain needs, another talent contest!' But then when I heard that it was...

Cheryl Cole will be known as Cheryl Fernandez-Versini on 'The X Factor'. Voice artist Peter Dickson - who announces the judges and contestants to the stage on the live shows - has confirmed bosses have asked him to begin practicing Cheryl's new name following her secret wedding to French restaurateur Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini earlier this month. Appearing on the Capital FM's Capital Breakfast show this morning (23.07.14), he said: ''I had a phone call a few weeks ago from the producers to tell me who the new judges were. ''They said, 'It's Cheryl', and I said, 'Oh, that's fine, she's back.' And they said,...

You say Britain. We say Talent. Britain. Talent! Britain. Talent! You get the idea.

That catchy ditty from the unforgettable (ahem) DJ Talent can only mean one thing. The Britain's Got Talent Live Shows are upon us.

It might not be as exciting as The X Factor, but what else are you going to do on a miserable Bank Holiday Monday?

Expect tearful children, tearful Amanda Holden and a truly mixed bag of contestants who will help reformulate the dictionary definition of the word 'talent'.

Our live blog kicks off at 7.30pm. Join us then when all the action kicks off on ITV.

21:59Anyway, I'll be back again tomorrow for more singing, more dancing and possibly even more ad breaks. If that's possible!

21:59I now feel awful because Jon was a really gracious loser and dedicated his win to his brother. I feel a little bit mean. This...

You say Britain. We say Talent. Britain. Talent! Britain. Talent! You get the idea.

That catchy ditty from the unforgettable (ahem) DJ Talent can only mean one thing. The Britain's Got Talent Live Shows are upon us.

It might not be as exciting as The X Factor, but what else are you going to do on a miserable Bank Holiday Monday?

Expect tearful children, tearful Amanda Holden and a truly mixed bag of contestants who will help reformulate the dictionary definition of the word 'talent'.

Our live blog kicks off at 7.30pm. Join us then when all the action kicks off on ITV.

21:59Anyway, I'll be back again tomorrow for more singing, more dancing and possibly even more ad breaks. If that's possible!

21:59I now feel awful because Jon was a really gracious loser and dedicated his win to his brother. I feel a little bit mean. This...

will.i.am has suggested that Cheryl Cole is "strong" for returning to The X Factor.

Speaking on tonight's episode of Alan Carr Chatty Man, will - who has collaborated extensively with Cole in the past - explained that he is impressed that she decided to go back after previously losing her place on The X Factor USA.

"Do you know how strong you have to be to go back and do that?" he said. "One, so hats off and applause and salute you for finding the strength to go back after that happened to you."

will also suggested that Cole is a good choice of judge because of her time in the industry, saying: "Second, the reason is because she's experienced a lot and has a lot of wisdom and experience to give to these people who want to sing and aspire to be like Cheryl and have a...

He's the voice of The X Factor, and now Digital Spy has given Peter Dickson the chance to voice his opinion on all the news and rumours surrounding this year's series.

Read on for his thoughts on the returns of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh's flip-flopping and more...

Peter Dickson on...Simon Cowell's return

"What a surprise! Quelle surprise as some might say! Yes, Simon is coming back this year and we're all very pleased to see him back actually; we've missed him when he was away.

"He's obviously still been involved behind the scenes on the show, but to see him back in the judge's chair will be a real treat and I think the audiences are going to love it too."

Peter Dickson on...Cheryl Cole's return

"Who'd have thought it? Well, that's going to be interesting, yes. I think that Cheryl was...

He's the voice of The X Factor, and now Digital Spy has given Peter Dickson the chance to voice his opinion on all the news and rumours surrounding this year's series.

Read on for his thoughts on the returns of Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh's flip-flopping and more...

Peter Dickson on...Simon Cowell's return

"What a surprise! Quelle surprise as some might say! Yes, Simon is coming back this year and we're all very pleased to see him back actually; we've missed him when he was away.

"He's obviously still been involved behind the scenes on the show, but to see him back in the judge's chair will be a real treat and I think the audiences are going to love it too."

Peter Dickson on...Cheryl Cole's return

"Who'd have thought it? Well, that's going to be interesting, yes. I think that Cheryl was...

On this week's episode of Screen Time, Jack Howard brings you his own unique take on Hobbits, Ryan Gosling, Nicolas Cage and *Peter Dickson voice* The X Factor.

Catch up on all the latest TV and movie news in this week's Screen Time:

Rounding up the best and funniest fan content from the internet, Screen Time is your number one guide to the latest TV and movie releases, with a new episode coming to you each Tuesday from now on.

This week's edition asks the crucial questions: What is Tim from The Office doing in Middle-earth? How much Ryan Gosling love is too much? And what would the greatest films of all time be like with Extra Nicolas Cage?

Find out by watching now, above.

To watch all the clips shown in the video, they can be seen in full on our new Screen Time 'bonus extras' blog.

On this week's episode of Screen Time, Jack Howard brings you his own unique take on Hobbits, Ryan Gosling, Nicolas Cage and *Peter Dickson voice* The X Factor.

Catch up on all the latest TV and movie news in this week's Screen Time:

Rounding up the best and funniest fan content from the internet, Screen Time is your number one guide to the latest TV and movie releases, with a new episode coming to you each Tuesday from now on.

This week's edition asks the crucial questions: What is Tim from The Office doing in Middle-earth? How much Ryan Gosling love is too much? And what would the greatest films of all time be like with Extra Nicolas Cage?

Find out by watching now, above.

To watch all the clips shown in the video, they can be seen in full on our new Screen Time 'bonus extras' blog.

Not since the days of Jedward, Olly Murs and Rikki Loney (?!) has X Factor treated us to a Big Band Week. It's a chance for the acts to show off their most powerful vocal performances and knock out some good old fashioned Rat Pack classics. Or at least that's the plan anyway.

Can Sam Callahan finally win over Gary Barlow? How old is Nicholas McDonald? (16!!) And will Nicole Scherzinger be as 'excited' as she was on last week's Live Show? These are all questions we hope will be answered this evening.

Join us from 8pm when it all kicks off again on ITV.

21:32See you tomorrow at 8pm. Celine Dion and Robbie Williams are the special guests. Thanks for all the comments, as always. We love them all. Good and bad.

21:30That's all for tonight folks. There's no Flash Vote tonight. You'll have to wait 24 hours to find...

Not since the days of Jedward, Olly Murs and Rikki Loney (?!) has X Factor treated us to a Big Band Week. It's a chance for the acts to show off their most powerful vocal performances and knock out some good old fashioned Rat Pack classics. Or at least that's the plan anyway.

Can Sam Callahan finally win over Gary Barlow? How old is Nicholas McDonald? (16!!) And will Nicole Scherzinger be as 'excited' as she was on last week's Live Show? These are all questions we hope will be answered this evening.

Join us from 8pm when it all kicks off again on ITV.

21:32See you tomorrow at 8pm. Celine Dion and Robbie Williams are the special guests. Thanks for all the comments, as always. We love them all. Good and bad.

21:30That's all for tonight folks. There's no Flash Vote tonight. You'll have to wait 24 hours to find...

Dermot O'Leary's decision to ditch his wacky opening dance routines and replace them with an air golf swing with his microphone is symbolic of this year's decision from X Factor producers to strip back the silliness.

There is no Rylan this year. There is no Wagner or Jedward. The closest thing we had was a plump lady from the West Country, but she's been given the boot now. Dermot's dance has been ditched. And even Louis Walsh opted to save the right act on Sunday night, rescuing boyband Kingsland Road over the aforementioned Devon diva.

> 5 talking points from this week's 'X Factor'

Watching the judges reveal their choices, it felt like a perfect opportunity for Louis and the producers to shake up a series that so far has steered clear of scandal and mock outrage. He could have saved Shelley, sent home the boys and ignited a grumpy,...

We all know the X Factor is a well-oiled money machine, so it comes as no surprise that the show will release a celebratory Greatest Hits collection to get us buying all of those songs we probably already own.

And it got us thinking: wouldn't it be better value for money to have some songs on the collection that we probably don't already own?

The X Factor has produced some forgotten gems and stellar novelty tracks over the years, so we've listed 10 of the best that didn't make the final tracklist below.

Chico: 'It's Chico Time'

Long before Lucy Spraggan and Ella Henderson wowed audiences with their songwriting efforts, we had Chico and his wristwatch. The track shot straight to number one to become one of the UK's finest novelty blow-outs, so we're a bit miffed it didn't make the compilation. Bonus track, maybe?

Leon Jackson: 'Creative'

The...

The final 12 on this year's X Factor performed live for the first time last night, with some acts faring better than others. Sam Bailey gave 'The Power of Love' plenty of oomph, while Sam Callahan had to make do with compliments about being so gosh-darn handsome after an awkward 'Summer of '69' cover.

But it was Shelley Smith who had the worst night as she fell victim to the first 'Flash Vote' of the series. Will Sharon Osbourne's mission to finally win the show be off to a rocky start, or will her Overs remain intact after lines close and the judges vote?

Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.

21:00So, that's it. The first elimination of The X Factor 2013 is done and...

The final 12 on this year's X Factor performed live for the first time last night, with some acts faring better than others. Sam Bailey gave 'The Power of Love' plenty of oomph, while Sam Callahan had to make do with compliments about being so gosh-darn handsome after an awkward 'Summer of '69' cover.

But it was Shelley Smith who had the worst night as she fell victim to the first 'Flash Vote' of the series. Will Sharon Osbourne's mission to finally win the show be off to a rocky start, or will her Overs remain intact after lines close and the judges vote?

Join Digital Spy when The X Factor returns to ITV at 8pm, and let us know your thoughts on the show in the comments box below and via our Twitter feed.

21:00So, that's it. The first elimination of The X Factor 2013 is done and...

It might be series 11 and it might be a dodgy-looking lineup (some bloke from Casualty and Tony Jacklin - seriously?), but there's still something special and exciting about the return of Strictly Come Dancing to Saturday nights.

From the moment Bruce Forsyth delivers his first absolute clanger of a gag (Think Glastonbury, think Stone Henge... you'll see the punchline coming a mile off) during Wednesday night's pre-record, I was reassured that series 11 was going to brighten up my Saturdays just like the previous 10.

It doesn't try to be cool, it doesn't Shout About How Great It Is In A Peter Dickson Voice and it doesn't have Sharon Osbourne cackling, but it does ooze warmth and charm, feature a Hairy Biker dressed up like a shiny giant tomato and have Bruno Tonioli bouncing around like Kenneth Williams on a spacehopper.

If you're not already excited enough about the return of the sequins and sparkles,...

The X Factor is back. Depending on where you stand, either clap your hands and do a gleeful jig or run for the hills. It's going to be on ITV on Saturdays (and Sundays) all the way through to Christmas, so you can either deal with it or lock yourself in a cupboard until New Year's.

This is the 10th year of X Factor and to celebrate ITV are expanding (or stretching thin - depending on your viewpoint) the audition shows across the weekend, a double header, an all-you-can-eat buffet of warbling, belting and Emeli Sandé covers.

After an underwhelming and dour series nine (Rylan, miserable judges, Christopher Maloney), Simon Cowell and the X Factor big cheeses have attempted some format tweaks and twists to try to wrestle back the viewers from Bruce Forsyth and the sequin-clad dancers on BBC One.

The biggest change to the format is a return to closed audition rooms.

The voice of The X Factor Peter Dickson has defended Rylan Clark's place on the show, saying that the controversial contestant reflects the competition's "fun, friendly" nature. The legendary voiceover artist said he could see the appeal of the Essex-born singer to X Factor viewers, who he described as "the broadest audience you can imagine".

When Digital Spy asked for his thoughts on Clark, Dickson replied: "[The X Factor is] a big, fun, friendly family entertainment show. "As such the cast, or contestants, on the show have to reflect the audience... they watch the show together, it's a real family, fun experience." Dickson also insisted that he doesn't mind people constantly asking him to announce their voice X Factor-style. "It's part and parcel of the job isn't it, it goes (more)...

Over £500,000 was raised for ChildLine last night (October 18) at the X Factor ChildLine Ball. The event was hosted by Caroline Flack and featured performances from Janet Devlin and Diva Fever, with introductions from Peter Dickson. ChildLine Ball 2012 from Dmi Productions on Vimeo.

Flack said: "It was a privilege to host this year's X Factor ChildLine Ball and it was really heart-warming to see such a wealth of support for this fantastic cause. "The money raised will go towards helping some of the UK's most vulnerable children, many of whom have nowhere else to turn, so I'm delighted to have been involved." Guests at the event included 'So Macho' singer Sinitta and ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen. "Even after 25 years, recent headlines prove there is just as much need (more)...

He can make X Factor viewers titter just by saying somebody's last name, so when we sat down with Peter Dickson this week, we couldn't resist asking him to go all Jackanory on us and give us a reading of the Cheryl Cole and Tulisa Contostavlos autobiographies. Mr 'It's time to face the music' bellowed through a few choice excerpts from Cheryl: My Story and Tulisa: Honest, in which the judges open up about their time on the show.

Dickson read through Cole's exposé of what X Factor boss Simon Cowell used to get up to in his (more)...

Caroline Flack and voice-over icon Peter Dickson will host this year's X Factor ChildLine Ball, it has been announced. The musical fundraiser will collect money for the children's charity and will feature performances from former stars of the ITV1 talent show. "It's an honour to be able to support ChildLine at this fantastic event. I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar X Factor faces and hopefully we'll raise lots of money to help ChildLine continue its brilliant work," said Flack. Dickson said: (more)...

Simon Cowell ended up mistaking a Britain's Got Talent's contestant's Peter Dickson impression for the Hunchback of Notre Dame on last weekend's More Talent ITV2 show. Cowell made the embarrassing blunder about the X Factor and Bgt announcer following auditonee Simon Butterworth's comedy routine, which involved singing Adele's 'Someone Like You' in the style of the exuvberant TV voiceover star. Watch Simon Butterworth's audition below: Cowell was the only judge to buzz Butterworth and asked afterwards: "The idea that the Hunchback of Notre Dame should do Adele - how did you come up with that?" When Butterworth pointed out that he (more)...

The X Factor's voiceover artist Peter Dickson was allegedly close to quitting the show last night. According to Heat, producers had planned to reduce Dickson's role in Movie Week in order to use a different voice. However, Dickson's agent was unhappy with the decision and threatened to withdraw the 54-year-old, the report claims. The source said: "X Factor bosses decided not to lose voiceover man Peter Dickson for good by reinstating him to voice the opening sequence of last night's show. "Redd Pepper (more)...

Peter Dickson, the popular X Factor voiceover star, spoke to Digital Spy at last night's Twilight: Breaking Dawn premiere, revealing some of his all-time favourite contestant names. Dickson listed Sophie Habibis and Frankie Cocozza as the best voiceover names this year and said that 2009 act Rachel Adedeji was his all-time favourite. The voice icon also defended the technical problems that caused a delay in the start of last Saturday's (November 12) live show. "We managed to stumble onto the air 16 minutes late," Dickson (more)...

Having now become completely addicted to watching this show every flaming year, despite my better judgement I might add given the distinct lack of market impact any of the winners ever have after the dust has settled and Simon Cowell has dragged his massive bulging bag of money to the bank, I’m beginning to get frustrated with the set-up. It’s all very predictable. Even when the show introduces these cut-throat “twists” like this week’s revelatory Judge Vote Off Bonanaza, or whatever they want to call it.

Aside from the fact that the decision robs the paying, voting public the opportunity to support acts that they have seen develop into justified Finalists (on the Judges’ terms anyway – I’m still massively irked that Terry, and even more profoundly Jade were turned away) – the whole thing feels like forced drama for the sake of it. It should be a talent show,...

The X Factor as we know it was almost completely wiped out on Saturday night as not one, not two, but three judges joined the panel for the first time. Granted, Louis stays, Dermot's still the host, Peter Dickson's voice thunders through the studio as per usual, and - of course - the format's the same. But as we enter the show's eighth series, the panel has undergone its biggest revamp yet, and most significantly (more)...

Simon Cowell has failed to convince producers of the American X Factor to include the Girls Aloud singer on the judging panel, it has been reported today.

Cowell, who has teased the press – and all rumoured to be being considered for the job – with news on the official lineup, had hinted last week that it was unlikely for Cheryl to get job.

X Factor voice over man Peter Dickson has revealed today that this is indeed the case, saying: “I think it’s all in complete disarray.

“They have only just decided they are not going to have Cheryl on the panel.

“I have not heard anything from Simon about me providing the voice.”

Simon hinted that Cheryl might miss out on a place on the panel while speaking last week.

He said: “I have to make sure we have a lot of Americans working on the show to begin with.

Simon Cowell is trying to convince Peter Dickson to follow him state-side and become the voice of his new X Factor series.

The 49 year old is famous for his booming tones on the UK version of the reality TV show and admitted that he is meeting with Us TV executives next week about doing all the introductions on their new project.

Peter also voices The Paul O’Grady Show, The National Television Awards, Britain’s Got Talent, Family Fortunes and Chris Moyles’ Quiz Night told The Sun:

“Simon has said he’d like me to be the voice of the American X Factor.

“I am being flown out to Los Angeles during Oscars week so I can meet the Fox executives to try to sort out a deal.

“They have to decide how British they want the show to be, and whether they want a British voice and a British judge like Cheryl Cole.