Louis Walsh CONFIRMS Celebrity X Factor judges and first All Stars contestants
The competitions are heating up by the minute!
Last updated 8th Jul 2019
The more we hear about the new versions of The X Factor for 2019, the more we seriously cannot wait - just to refresh your memory, we've got a Celebrity X Factor and an X Factor: All Stars version on the way!
Whilst details about the two have been kept strictly under wraps so far, X Factor legend Louis Walsh has now confirmed details about both series, as filming begins this week. Speaking to the Mirror, Louis revealed that he's flying out to L.A. tomorrow to film the Celebrity version, and added that they'll be filming the All Stars version immediately after.
X Factor veteran Louis confirmed that he, Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger will be the judges on the Celebrity X Factor panel, but confirmed that he doesn't know for sure who any of the celebrity contestants will be so far.
"We haven’t been told who the celebrities are, I’ve just read bits in the papers," he said. "They want it to be a surprise to us when they walk out. Simon doesn’t want us to know who is doing the celebrity version and he doesn’t want to know."
Sinitta
It's X Factor - Sinitta HAS to be involved somehow! But she wouldn't be taking part as a contestant... Sinitta has spoken out about the possibility of being on the judging panel, telling Closer magazine, "There have been discussions, but I haven't signed a contract yet. I'd love to do it, though – Simon's switching up the formula this year so I'd love to be involved."
Gemma Collins
Reality queen GC is reportedly set to appear on the show, having been on pretty much every single other reality show there is! A source told the Daily Star, "We want big and exciting stars and The GC is popular and we reckon she makes entertaining viewing. Simon has handled many divas over the years with the likes of Sharon Osbourne and Mel B, so we reckon he will be able to deal with this Essex one." Plus there's the fact that Gemma wowed the audience of All Together Now recently when she sang 'Big Spender'!
David Walliams
Simon's pal and fellow Britain's Got Talent David Walliams has thrown his own hat into the ring, telling Radio Times that he's already "mentioned it" to Simon. "I cannot sing a note, so I'd fit in very well," he joked. "It would be fun. I don't know if it's going to happen but I would love to be on it. I've always loved The X Factor. I got to be on it last year with Robbie Williams at Judges' Houses so I would love to be on that stage, doing a duet with Wagner."
Jenny 'The Vixen' Ryan
The Chase's Jenny Ryan is incredibly popular with viewers of the show, and actually has a wonderful singing voice - something she showed off for Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief last year with her fellow quizmasters. A source has said she could be the "dark horse" of this competition.
John Barrowman
Of course, John Barrowman needs no introduction, and he never misses an opportunity to flaunt his incredible vocals. The West End star told Metro that he'd "love to do it", adding, "It's one of those things where if I'm asked I'd do it, like anything, I'd do it at the drop of a hat as long as I know I'm gonna have fun doing it."
Olivia Olson
You'd be forgiven for not recognising her name - but surely you remember the little girl with the incredible voice singing 'All I Want For Christmas Is You' in Love Actually? An insider revealed that show bosses wanted to keep the line-up "varied" and that Olivia would be a "great shout".
Brendan Cole
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Brendan Cole is reportedly being eyed up by ITV bosses after his dramatic exit from the BBC show. An insider said, "Brendan is a big character and the bosses are sure that he will be a big draw for their audience. His Strictly fans aside, they are expecting people to tune in to see how his singing compares to his dancing." Brendan has showed off his vocal abilities before, singing with Beverley Knight on Just The Two Of Us in 2007.
Megan McKenna
TOWIE star Megan McKenna is already a singer in her own right, having released single 'High Heeled Shoes' last year. However, it looks as though Megan could be attempting to win over Simon once again, having previously auditioned on Britain's Got Talent in 2009 as part of girl band Harmony and on The X Factor in 2014 and 2015 as a solo artist. When asked on Loose Women, Megan was decidedly evasive, and said, "I'd seen the rumours as well. I mean, I love that show. But I don't know anything about that. But I do love that show, it's amazing."
Love Island group
Love Island 2018 alumni Zara McDermott, Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty and Eyal Booker are apparently joining forces to be a group on the show. Of course, Samira is a West End star and Eyal was previously in a pop band, and apparently the four of them have been "discussing songs" and are all "confident that they can hold a tune."
Louis then went on to reveal the first three names for the All Stars version - confirming that Alexandra Burke, Leona Lewis and Shayne Ward would all be returning to the show, "It’s going to be great, and then we do the 'best of' all in one week, all the winners are coming back. Leona's coming back, Alexandra, Shayne, they’re all coming back."
Alexandra, who has recently been on a UK tour of The Bodyguard musical, won the series in 2008; Leona Lewis won in 2006 and Shayne Ward, who recently left Coronation Street as Aidan Connor, won in 2005.
Louis added that it was about time the format for the show changed, "It’s been so long as the old X Factor it had to change. I don’t know what he’s planning for next year but this year I think the celebrity version is going to be brilliant and then the best of is like, wow.
"It’s going to be new and fun, it’s going to be Love Island meets everything, it’s going to be bigger and better."
NOW WATCH: All Of The X Factor Winners To Date
Turn it up with Hits Radio! Home of Fleur East, Sam Thompson and Gemma Atkinson playing the biggest hits and the biggest throwbacks, alongside the biggest laughs and life-changing competitions. Tune in on FM, DAB, online, ask your Smart Speaker to 'Play Hits Radio' and download the Rayo app.