By JASON CHESTER
There’s already been a significant shake-up on The X Factor judging panel with Tulisa Contostavlos heading for the exit and firebrand Sharon Osbourne returning from a six-year hiatus to fill her seat.
But while fireworks are expected, the popular ITV show has revealed there are further surprises awaiting fans when proceedings get underway this Saturday.
In a telling tweet posted on their official website, they revealed that a fifth judge is expected to sidle up alongside Gary Barlow, Nicole Scerzinger, Louis Walsh and Sharon during the audition stages.
‘Find out who (or what) the #fifthjudge is on Friday…’ they posted on Tuesday afternoon.
Here we go again: Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Sherzinger and Gary Barlow will return for the tenth series of The X Factor this Saturday
Telling: Tweets such as this have prompted a wave of speculation on Twitter
Predictably, the X Factor tweet has whipped up a storm of speculation, with many users of the micro-blogging site predicting that Simon Cowell is making a temporary return.
Away from the judging panel there is said to be a major change to the audition process, with producers reverting back to the original accapella format, after which successful hopefuls with progress to a second audition in front of a live audience.
The live shows will also see a marked change, with views understood to be given just 200 seconds to vote for their favourite after every performance.
Contestants with the fewest votes will then be put up for elimination on the Sunday show before the lines are reopened.
Whetting the appetite: This tweet appeared on The X Factor's twitter feed on Tuesday afternoon
A brief YouTube preview of auditions from the forthcoming tenth series suggests there will be the usual range of emotions from the judges – in particular Nicole, no stranger to wearing her heart on her sleeve while mentoring last year’s winner, James Arthur.
In a brief clip from the sneak peek – posted on YouTube – the former Pussycat Doll is seen wresting with her emotions as she tells one contestant: ‘From my heart it’s an absolute yes.’
Host Dermot O’Leary is also seen welcoming a nervous hopeful in the clip – and he recently admitted the change in format makes it harder for him not to laugh.
Emotional: Nicole wrestles with her emotions during a sneak peek from the forthcoming tenth series of The X Factor
Intimate: The show will revert to its original accapella audition format
Standing ovation: Someone's clearly pleased the judges in this sneak peek from the new series
He said: ‘Returning to the small rooms has made it harder for contestants this year, definitely. It’s such an intimate environment and even a good singer can stumble.
I do struggle (to stay composed), yes. But I try to be honest and don’t pretend. There is a lot of talent. Although in the rooms some people were good, they were then terrific in the second part of the auditions at the arena.
‘That’s when they start to shine. I do disagree with the judges’ decisions sometimes. You know they have a good voice – but the judges see it differently.’
The X Factor returns this Saturday on ITV at 8:00pm.
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