THE X Factor: Celebrity will see household names battle it out to come on top in a newly formatted version of the singing competition show.
But when does Simon Cowell’s new series start on ITV and what exactly is the prize these celebrities are singing for? Here’s everything you need to know…
When does The X Factor: Celebrity start?
The official start date for The X Factor: Celebrity has been revealed to be THIS SATURDAY (October 12.)
It has a timeslot set for 8.35pm on ITV, so set your reminder now!
The usual X Factor series would have already began by now – but has been replaced by the BGT spin-off show.
Find out more about The X Factor: Celebrity line-up here.
How does The X Factor: Celebrity work?
Well, pretty much the same as the original version but just with some famous faces.
Our household names will be taking to the stage to impress the judges and viewers alike in the hopes of make it through to the next round and eventually being crowned winner.
The all-star version follows a very similar format to the original show, including the contestants flying out to an exotic location for the Judges’ Houses round.
So it remains to be seen who’s vocal range will be enough to get them the top spot.
Megan McKenna
The former TOWIE star is hoping the programme will give her the big break she has dreamt of.
She released her debut album Story of Me in December 2018 and her debut single High Heeled Shoes hit number on the iTunes chart in 2017.
Of starring in The X Factor: Celebrity, she said: “This is the biggest opportunity I have ever had in my entire life.”
Megan McKenna, 26, launched her own ITVBe show There’s Something About Megan, which followed her trip to Nashville in a bid to propel her music career.
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams in Glee, has signed up to appear on the show.
However, he is nervous about taking to the stage and admitted: “The X Factor terrifies me.”
The actor will be a familiar face for judge Nicole Scherzinger, as during his time with boyband NLT he opened for the Pussycat Dolls in 2007.
He released his own solo 12 years later titled Help Me Now.
Martin Bashir
Martin Bashir is a journalist famed for his interview with the late Princess Diana 24 years ago.
Naturally, he says his involvement in the show is miles different to anything he has done before.
He said: “This is outside of my comfort zone.”
Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake is best known for hosting her own Emmy winning show in the US from 1993 to 2004.
However, this time she will not be taking to the stage to talk but to sing.
Speaking ahead of her appearance on the show, she said: “It’s time for me to prove I’m not just all talk.”
Victoria Ekanoye
Victoria Ekanoye previously appeared in the ITV soap Coronation Street and portrayed Angie Appleton.
But she will be swapping acting for singing as she gives music a go this October.
Despite her success in the nation’s much-loved programme, taking to the mic has always been her main passion.
Speaking about the upcoming venture, Victoria said: “Singing will always be my first love.”
Jonny Labey
The former EastEnders star played Paul Coker in the long-running BBC One show.
Jonny Labey has been tipped as “one to watch” as he trades the streets of Walford in for The X Factor stage.
However, this will not be his first time on a talent competition as two years ago he took part in Dance Dance Dance.
A source told The Daily Star: “Everyone working on the show is saying hell be one to watch.
Olivia Olson
Olivia Olson is best known for starring in Love Actually as Joanna but will try her hand at singing to impress the judges.
Since appearing in the classic rom-com she has gone on to star in the children’s programme Phineas and Ferb, as well as Adventure Time.
But instead of lending her voice to animations, Olivia will take centre stage on the talent contest.
Hayley Hasselhoff
Hayley is the daughter of Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff and is hoping her appearance on Celebrity X Factor will be her “big shot” at cracking the music industry.
Speaking in the trailer for the new series the model and actress said: “This is my big shot.”
Hayley has forged an impressive career in the acting and modelling business, and has tried her hand at presenting, but now she is giving singing a go.
Vinnie Jones
Vinnie Jones, who is notorious for playing the hardman in films and TV shows,will take to the stage in this year’s The X Factor: Celebrity.
The former footballer has previous singing experience and appeared on Top of the Pops in 2002.
Almost 20 years after appearing in the talent show he will show off his skills once again in a bid to be crowned champion.
Jenny Ryan
Jenny Ryan, who is best known as one of the quiz masters on the ITV gameshow The Chase.
Her intelligence has earned her the nickname The Vixen but can she be just as success in the talent contest?
She recently proved she was a force in the kitchen when she starred in Celebrity Masterchef.
Now, the mastermind is trying something a little outside of her comfort zone as she will belt out the ballads next month.
She said: “Am I good enough? This is the ultimate test.”
Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis
Sports stars Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis have formed a three-piece band for The X Factor: Celebrity.
The hunks have proven they are talented on the pitch but they will be good enough to impress the judges?
Thom has some experience of being on stage as he was part of the band Twen2y4se7en, who supported Peter Andre and Westlife.
Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Natalie and Wendii
Social media influencers Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Natalie and Wendii want to be the next big girl band.
The group have 11 million followers combined and will compete against another band, The Islanders.
The Latin American band said: “We’re dreaming big and we’re working hard to get there.”
Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker and Zara McDermott
Love Island 2018 stars Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker and Zara McDermott will perform as a group on The X Factor: Celebrity.
Samira often shows off her vocal skills and incredible dancing ability on her Instagram account.
The foursome hope they change people’s perception of them. Eyal said: “We want to prove we’re more than just reality stars.”
Max and Harvey
Max and Harvey, who shot to fame on the app musical.ly three years ago, will take to The X Factor: Celebrity stage this October.
The influencers have almost six million followers on the channel, and have since launched their own children’s show Max and Harvey: Fomo.
But will they be the lucky pair who will land a lucrative record deal?
Brendan Cole and Jeremy Edwards
Brendan Cole found fame on Strictly Come Dancing, while Jeremy Edwards has appeared on Hollyoaks and Holby City.
The dancing professional is excited to try a “new challenge” following his departure from the BBC One dance competition.
A source previously told The Sun Online: “For Brendans part, he’s excited about the prospect of a new challenge.
It’s also not lost on him that appearing on a rival channel in a big prime time slot is a bit of a two fingers up at his old bosses at the BBC.
Who are The X Factor: Celebrity judges?
Following endless rumours regarding the judging line-up for The X Factor: Celebrity, we finally have the confirmed list.
This year, the judges have been reduced to just three names, but who will sit on the panel this year?
Simon Cowell
Head judge Simon, 57, has only ever missed three series of the X Factor, during which time he was replaced by Gary Barlow.
He has been the winning judge three times with Steve Brookstein, Leona Lewis and Ben Haenow.
Louis Walsh
Irish music manager Louis, 67, is a viewer favourite and show original.
He’s only ever missed two series of the ITV show, which was in 2015 and 2018.
Nicole Scherzinger
Pussycat Doll Nicole, 41, first judged on The X Factor in 2012 and made a dramatic return to the show in 2016, in the wake of her feud with rival Cheryl.
Her act Matt Terry won the competition in 2016, while she helped James Arthur grab first prize in 2012.
Everyone’s favourite host Dermot O’Leary will help things run smoothly
Who is The X Factor host?
Dermot O’Leary is set to continue his role as the show’s host.
Earlier this year, he admitted: “I admire Simon’s bravery, he just thinks let’s give it a go and see what happens.
“The audition process was filmed in Simon’s house in Malibu in mid-July.”
He continued: “There was something natural and warm and fun about it, the celebs picked a couple of songs and then auditioned as usual.
“It’s going to be a competition and the people involved really want to win.”
What is The X Factor: Celebrity winners prize?
Traditionally, the winner receives a 1 million record deal under Syco Music, while their winning single is usually known to land the Christmas Number 1 spot.
In recent years, however – and with the ratings decreasing previous winners of the show have failed to land the Christmas top spot.
The Sun exclusively revealed that Simon is hoping to transform the fortunes of the star by offering a big money deal with his Syco record label and a shot at the Christmas No 1 as a prize.
