X marks the spot

Yes, believe it or not, it’s that time again. Tears, tantrums, strops a-plenty (and that’s just the judges), all packaged up together with the mostly dodgy voices of thousands of singing hopefuls keen to win 2008’s The X Factor, now back on ITV1.

Things certainly won’t be the same without feisty Sharon Osbourne, who left the show at the end of the last series. But joining Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue as judges this year is Girls Aloud’s Cheryl Cole (who was herself discovered on Pop Stars – The Rivals), so expect some catfights with Dannii later in the year (maybe).
“Being a Judge is going be an amazing responsibility in terms of I could make someone’s dreams come true," Cheryl told us." I was once a contestant being judged, I’ve been here, and I know how they’re feeling. I’ve had an amazing career from a show like this, I can’t wait to watch someone’s dreams come true,” she added.

Speaking at the start of the show, Simon Cowell also told us: “This is a show where you never know what you’re going to find so you're literally jumping in at the deep end. I feel an enormous pressure. People turn up for this show for one simple reason – they want to change their lives forever and that’s what it’s all about. If you’re a part of that it’s a fantastic feeling.”
And how does he sum up this year’s show? “As usual this year’s The X Factor is completely unpredictable. There are some of the strangest auditions I've ever heard and also one or two great people. This is about normal people all over the country with a talent, with a dream who want one opportunity – that’s what The X Factor is. It's the peoples’ competition.”

Having won with Leon Jackson last year, Dannii says she’s feeling the pressure to strike another win. She said: “I love it when we’re all delirious and totally lose it. I feel sorry for the person singing, but it’s like being back at school when you just can’t stop yourself!”