X Factor…. the wait is almost over

The wait for The X Factor 2011 is almost over as the show gets ready to kick off this weekend, and it looks set to be bigger and better than ever before.

Series eight sees the introduction of three new judges to the panel – Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow – who join veteran judge Louis Walsh, while Dermot O’Leary returns as host.

And it won’t be long before we see the newbies springing into action – with some of the highlight scenes including Gary being forced to take to the stage to get rid of X Factor rejects, Kelly comforting upset wannabes, and Tulisa even getting into a heated row with a contestant!

Gary thinks this year’s judging panel will be the best yet. He said: “Louis has already proved himself as the longest standing judge on X Factor, so I’m aware all eyes will be on the new judges to see what we’ll bring to the table… there’s no-one more valid than me, Kelly and Tulisa because we’re out there doing it right now, we’re selling tickets, selling records, and we’re out there doing what these guys want to be doing.”

X Factor 2011 promises to be one of the most talked-about yet. Each week viewers will be able to see the judges travel the length and breadth of the country as they search for the next big singing star.

With extra audition shows in this year’s series, fans will get the chance to see even more hopefuls than ever before, as they audition in the Boys (16-24 years), Girls (16-24 years), Over-25s and Groups categories.

This year’s show also sees a bigger-than-ever-before Bootcamp round, with hopefuls performing in front of an audience of thousands, as they battle to realise their singing dreams.

There is also going to be some exciting fly-on-the-wall coverage showing the contestants living together, for the first time ever! It’s sure to be must-see viewing!

The show will culminate in a massive final which is to be staged at Wembley Arena in front of an audience of 10,000.

Are you planning to watch the show this year? Do you know any of the contestants? We’d love to hear from you, so make sure to leave us a comment using the facility on the site.