X Factor audition dates revealed

The X Factor live auditions will start next month., with the first batch of dates being released.

The first arena auditions will be filmed on July 6 at Event City in Manchester.

The show will continue filming Manchester auditions on July 7, July 8 and July 9, followed by further filming at London’s Wembley Arena on July 14-17.

The dates come after the news that the smaller room auditions have been scrapped this series.

While Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini are all but confirmed to return to the X Factor judging panel this year, the other two spots appear to be up for grabs.

Louis Walsh has said that he has chosen to leave the show, with his spot expected to be filled by Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw.

The latest rumours have suggested that Rita Ora will be sitting in the fourth chair, with Cowell apparently keen to poach her from BBC One’s The Voice UK.

Caroline Flack – who will co-host the new series with Olly Murs – recently admitted that she has only heard “rumours” about the fourth judge.

The X Factor will air on ITV later this year.