Fans favourites Louis and Sharon return to the panel!

The X Factor 2016 panel has been confirmed… and the ITV show is reverting back to audience favourites.

The new series from ITV, Syco and Thames, sees the return of rock royalty and original judge (2004 – 2007 and 2013), Sharon Osbourne, and former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, who appeared as a judge in 2012 and 2013, winning her first series with James Arthur.

After his absence last year chart maestro Louis Walsh returns for his 12th series as UK X Factor judge. Louis commented: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole, and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.”

The three returnees join The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell, who warned: ‘Be careful what you wish for!’ Dermot O’Leary also returns as the show’s presenter.

Speaking of her return, Sharon said: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”

Nicole said: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel. I’m excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year. And having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it.”

ITV Director of Television Kevin Lygo said: “Simon, Sharon, Louis and Nicole – they’re a formidable judging panel by anyone’s standards. With Dermot hosting and the return of the audition rooms, there’s a lot to look forward to this series, as we welcome back one of our biggest entertainment brands.”

The judges’ auditions will begin on Friday June 10th in Leicester. The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside sister show, The Xtra Factor on ITV2.