Back with a bang! X Factor returns tonight - and new judges are full of fighting talk as they prepare to tackle first lot of wannabes

By JODY THOMPSON

At least he's honest: One of the first to audition on tonight's first show of the new series of X Factor is Frankie Cocozza - who says he wants to win to meet lots of girls

The new series of the X Factor kicks off tonight and the public get to see the new judging panel - Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa and Louis Walsh - put through their paces for the first time.

In this, the eighth series, it's back with a bang and still determined to find the UK's next pop superstar - though one presumes more of the Leona Lewis than the Steve Brookstein variety...


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In auditions held across the country earlier this year, thousands of wannabes turned up to audition with the stand-out moments debuted tonight on ITV1 - including one cheeky chappy who just wants to win the show to meet girls.

Kelly has certainly been impressed with the standard of talent so far.

Introducing herself at the start of tonight's show, she says: 'The talent coming out of the UK is nothing short of amazing. I cannot wait to find the next big star!


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'Being in Destiny’s Child, being a solo artist, I know how tough the industry is - I’ve been here for 15 years. It takes hard work to get to the top and even harder work to stay there.

'I want to find someone who will sell records all over the world. This show could change your life forever.


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As revealed by Mail Online yesterday, he then proceeds to show his naked bottom to the judges to reveal a tattoo he's just had done of the name of a girl he met in Malia, Crete.

Kelly can't quite believe it, laughing: 'Can I just say, I freaking love the UK! You gotta love it here. He came on, he showed his ass, literally. You’ve got to love that.'

Also on the show will be Cheltenham lass Kitty Brucknell, 26, who sings Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory, the wildcard Goldie Cheung, 48, from Hong Kong, who's described as a cross between Tina Turner and a lapdancer, and the early favourite, 16-year-old Janet Devlin.

The X Factor is on ITV1 tonight at 8pm, followed by The Xtra Factor at 9.15pm on ITV2.

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source: dailymail