The X Factor auditions kicked off this week in Liverpool and joining regular judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh was former Spice Girls singer Geri Halliwell.

‘Ginger Spice’ last took part in the show’s tryouts in 2010, when she was booed by the crowd and received coldly by the audience, however she must have some hold over show boss Simon Cowell as insiders claim that not only did he invite her to guest judge again in 2012, but he has promised her a permanent spot on the panel, if she can make her first few audition appearances work.

It seems that producers were keen to include the mum of one in proceedings too, as one girl group who took to the stage to perform for the panel in Liverpool’s Echo Arena, told the crowd that not only had they been invited to audition just a few days before the tryouts, but they had been told to perform a Spice Girls track for the new judge.

They were hoping to be the new Little Mix, however their version of ‘Stop Right Now’ was pretty dreadful and audience members have claimed that the ladies don’t stand a chance of making the live shows.

It has been claimed that Simon Cowell is trying desperately to bring this year’s series of The X Factor back on track, so that it fares well in the ratings battle with Strictly Come Dancing this autumn.

He has obviously left strict instructions for his team on set, as onlookers say the judges were very much led by staff and producers on the day. One girl sang a Peggy Lee song and then an Amy Winehouse track for her audition, before a producer rushed out to the panel, handed Gary Barlow a memo, at which point he asked the young hopeful if she knew anything by Rebecca Ferguson.

The singer performed one of the former contestant’s singles, and unsurprisingly went on to receive glowing praise from all four stars.

Meanwhile, Geri reeked of desperation as she climbed aboard a car outside the audition venue, grabbed a well placed loudspeaker (don’t all cars have them these days?) and responded to the crowd’s booing by shouting and telling them that her nan was from Liverpool.

They didn’t seem too impressed.

Unreality TV will be at the auditions when they hit London on Monday, we can’t wait to see what’s lined up for that day……as long as it’s not Carmen Electra again!