The X Factor Auditions Kick Off in Manchester – Photos
Cheryl, Simon, Mel B and Louis arrive in style
The very first X Factor auditions have kicked off this afternoon (16th June) in Manchester!
Throngs of fans gathered at Lancashire County Cricket Club in Old Trafford where intimate auditions are taking place in front of the four judges.
Shortly after 1.30pm, the returning Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, new judge Mel B and the ever-present Louis Walsh pulled up in separate cars and were met with huge cheers when they hit the red carpet.
Dermot O’Leary, who’s hosting the show for an eighth consecutive year, and brand new Xtra Factor presenter Sarah Jane Crawford also lit up the arrivals.
Check out photos right here:
Last night, Simon Cowell Tweeted: "Just arrived in Manchester. We start X Factor auditions tomorrow. Gulp"
If the hopefuls are successful today, they’ll progress to the next round at undisclosed arena venues around the country.
The auditions come a day after 2012 contestant Ella Henderson, who finished in sixth spot, stormed to number one with her debut single ‘Ghost’.
The track was penned by hitmaker Ryan Tedder who has worked with Adele, Beyoncé, Ellie Goulding, One Direction, Jennifer Lopez, Leona Lewis and many more.
The X Factor hits television screens this August.