THIS IMAGE IS STRICTLY EMBARGOED 00.01 SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST 2012.

X FACTOR starts Saturday 18th August on ITV1 and ITV2

Pictures Shows: CURTIS

Picture Caption: The multi BAFTA-award winning entertainment show returns to our screens for an explosive nineth series.

This year’s exciting new judging panel will hit the road and travel the length and breadth of Britain for live auditions with potential singers.

Dermot O’Leary returns to host the proceedings on ITV1 and will be on hand to celebrate with the successful acts and mop up the tears of those who aren’t. And ITV2’s Xtra Factor will be bringing viewers all the behind the scenes gossip, exclusive interviews with the judges and unforgettable auditions that will make you cry with laughter and cheer on the stars of tomorrow.

Photographer: Ken McKay

Copyright: THAMES TV