First of all can we just have a big cheer for the X Factor which returns next week. This is Unreality TV’s big TV show of the year, and one which we get scarily addicted to! So bye bye social life from August until Christmas!

Now to the point of this story.

Word is that new judge, Cheryl Cole, and old favourite (?) Louis Walsh, are locked in a battle over who gets to mentor the groups category in this years series.

A source on The X Factor, told The Daily Star: “There are a few bands which are really hot this year.

“Louis and Cheryl think if they get them, they can win. They’ve been dropping hints.”

Of course, the choice actually falls to producers of the show, so neither Cheryl or Louis will be able to force this issue, but isn’t nice to hear that there are some good groups lined up for 2008. Traditionally the groups category is often the weakest in the X Factor, generally there are one or two good groups per series and then a load of fillers, who everyone knows have no chance of winning.

We have had enough solo winners, here’s hoping we get a group X Factor champion this Christmas!