The X Factor 2016: start date, judges, and five other things you need to know

The singing competition is back – and it's ready to make up for last year’s mis-steps
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Ben Travis26 August 2016

Even though it feels like it's only just started, summer is nearly over.

How do we know? Well, because The X Factor is back – which means that in the blink of an eye, the winner of the show will suddenly be up for the coveted Christmas #1 slot, and we’ll all be wondering where the last three months went.

Last year’s competition switched things up with various new judges and presenters to the series – but things didn’t quite go to plan, leading to a slide in ratings and a feeling of general disinterest settling in.

But it seems Simon Cowell was listening – and this year the show could be back at its best.

Here’s what you need to know about The X Factor 2016.

1) It’s a classic judging line-up

Perhaps the biggest change for the 2015 series was the all-new judging panel – but nice guy Nick Grimshaw made for boring viewing, and Rita Ora couldn't match the sincerity, likeability, dedication, and ‘what bizarre made-up word is coming next?’ entertainment factor of Nicole Scherzinger.

But Cowell has brought out the big guns this year – Scherzy is back, along with Sharon Osbourne, and – of course – Louis Walsh.

2) It’s kicking off on August bank holiday weekend

The X Factor’s big return is set for August’s three-day weekend – kicking off on Saturday 27 at 8pm, with the second episode following on Sunday 28 at 8pm.

X Factor London 2016 Launch

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3) Dermot O’Leary is back

Poor Olly Murs and Caroline Flack never really stood a chance last year when they stepped into Dermot O’Leary’s probably-quite-large shoes – and Cowell must have known it, because the big man is back.

The best thing about O’Leary is that he’s a steady pair of hands – a veteran who’s done this sort of thing for years now. When you see him back behind the wheel you’ll forget he ever left.

4) The room auditions are back

It seems The X Factor flip-flops every year between doing the traditional first audition in an empty room with the judges, or in a vast arena with a live audience.

This time it’s back to the room auditions – more intimate, and perhaps even more intimidating, with no crowd to distract hopefuls from the cold stares of Cowell and co.

5) Contestants can bring instruments

OK, it’s not Britain’s Got Talent – so don’t go expecting orchestras and tubular bell players – but playing an instrument while singing hasn’t been ruled out this year.

There are a few guitars in the room auditions as the ‘Ed Sheeran effect’ continues to bring fresh young musicians to the show.

6) The live shows will be slightly different

While pretty much everything about this year’s X Factor is about returning to established success, there will be a few tweaks.

“We’re going to make a couple of changes to the live shows,” says Cowell. “There will be one feature that we’ve been talking about for a while which I am excited about. It’s going to make the shows more fun.

“All will be revealed soon, it’s good!”

7) The Xtra Factor will be totally different

ITV2's sister-show has been given yet another makeover - and this time it could really work. Not only will it be a live show, with input from singers who auditioned, but it's got a fantastic presenting duo in Rylan Clark-Neal and Matt Edmondson.

ITV, Saturday, 8pm

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