Simon Cowell confirms The X Factor 2017 judging panel

Familiar faces are returning!

Published 13th Apr 2017
Last updated 13th Apr 2017

It's that time of year again, The X Factor auditions are set to begin for the 13th consecutive year and now Simon Cowell has officially revealed the judging line-up.

For those fans wanting a change-up on the panel, it's bad news as all four judges from last year are making a return.

Simon has confirmed that Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger will all return to the show when it kicks off later in the year.

The X Factor © ITV Pictures

Speaking to a national newspaper, Simon said, "I don't think for the moment we'd want to make any changes. It worked on X Factor last year and the Britain's Got Talent panel works really well."

After being on our TV screens for a massive 13 years, some viewers called for the show to take a break, but it seems boss Simon believes it still has shelf life.

He added, "There's always room to come up with new ideas for shows but you've got to look at the whole landscape. It's a crowded market but there's always room for something new if it's a good idea."

The X Factor © ITV Pictures

Since the show started in 2004, Simon has changed the panel on various occasions. Past judges include Cheryl, Mel B, Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa to name a few, but now it seems he's sticking with his original choices in Louis and Sharon, who appeared on the first series.

Meanwhile, The annual X Factor tour involving last year's finalists has just finished. Winner Matt Terry and runner-up Saara Aalto were joined by the likes of Sam Lavery, Five After Midnight and Emily Middlemass as they performed around the UK.

The show has discovered some massive superstars over the last 13 years, including One Direction, Little Mix and Louisa Johnson.

Check out all of the winners below:

2004: Steve Brookstein

2005: Shayne Ward

2006: Leona Lewis

2007: Leon Jackson

2008: Alexandra Burke

2009: Joe McElderry

2010: Matt Cardle

2011: Little Mix

2012: James Arthur

2013: Sam Bailey

2014: Ben Haenow

2015: Louisa Johnson

2016: Matt Terry

Who is your favourite winner?

The X Factor is set to return to our TV screens later in the year.