X Factor judges through history
- Published
The original Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, was a judge on the X Factor when it first started back in 2004. And he's been in the judges seat for every series apart from series eight, nine and 10, when he left to concentrate on the American version of X Factor. He came back with a bang in 2014, mentoring the eventual winner Ben Haenow.
Music manager Sharon Osbourne judged alongside Simon from the first series and continued for four series, until Cheryl Fernandez-Versini took her place. Like all good X Factor judges, she returned a few years later in series 10, and once again for the latest series.
Louis Walsh was one of the original panel members, alongside Simon and Sharon, and has only missed one series - the 12th. He's back this year and he'll be hoping for more success than before - he's only ever mentored one winning act, Shane Ward.
Dannii Minogue joined the judging line up back in series two but left after series seven, to be replaced by Tulisa. She backed a couple of winners during her time on the X Factor - Matt Cardle in 2010 and Leon Jackson in 2007.
Cheryl Cole (Fernandez-Versini) replaced Sharon Osbourne in 2008 - and she won the competition on her very first series, by mentoring Alexandra Burke. She left with Simon Cowell after series seven to concentrate on the American X Factor, but came back again in 2014. She's not judging this year - but it's probably not the last time we'll be seeing Cheryl on the X Factor.
Gary Barlow had big boots to fill when he replaced Simon Cowell in 2011 for three series. Poor Gary never managed to mentor a winner!
US singer Kelly Rowland joined for just one series in 2011 and was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger.
Tulisa joined at the same time as Kelly Rowland in 2011, but stayed as a judge for two series. While she was there, she mentored Little Mix, who won in 2011.
Former member of the band the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger became a judge in 2012, after she'd been a guest judge a couple of years earlier. She stayed for a couple of years - but returns this year with Simon, Louis and Sharon.
Mel B, who used to be in the Spice Girls, replaced Sharon Osbourne for the 11th series, and will also be guest judging in this series.
Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw judged for one series in 2015, where he mentored the boys - with his act Che Chesterman finishing in third place.
Pop star Rita Ora joined Nick Grimshaw in the judging line up last year, winning with her act Louisa Johnson w. Rita's a one hit wonder on the X Factor though - only staying for one series.
- Published22 February 2016
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- Published20 February 2016
