Rita Ora ditches The Voice for The X Factor
Rita Ora has been announced as one of the new judges joining The X Factor.
The judging panel for the new series of The X Factor has been revealed this morning!
X Factor head honcho Simon Cowell will be joined by the returning Cheryl Fernandez-Versini plus new judges Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw.
As widely expected, Louis Walsh has left the ITV talent show after eleven series, while Mel B also won’t be returning.
Rita guest judged The X Factor in 2009 alongside Louis Walsh, Tulisa, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger and last year was a judge on X Factor’s BBC rival The Voice.
In a statement, she enthused: "I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012. This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. It’s the new generation taking over. Booooom"
Rita Ora repeatedly tried to dodge X Factor questions during a recent interview here at KISS, as Rickie, Melvin and Charlie put her on the spot. Watch her squirming, but just about managing to maintain the secret below.
Despite rumours that she faced the chop, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini says she can’t wait to get stuck into the new series.
“I haven't been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge,” Cheryl said.
Simon Cowell Tweeted saying he was "both excited and nervous" about the new show.
The X Factor returns to ITV in the autumn.