X Factor 2008
The X Factor is back!
Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson...
Who will it be this year?
This year the age limit will continue to be lowered to 14 and finalists will be split into four categories.
The categories are: 14-24 Boys, 14-24 Girls, Over 25's & Groups.
Following the departure of Sharon Osbourne, Girls Aloud star, Cheryl Cole has been brought in as her replacement.
Keep up to date with the contestents and judges in our X Factor special or take part in our weekly polls!
The Judges
From left to right: Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Danni Minogue, Louis Walsh
Simon Cowell
 Simon Cowell
Previous mentoring categories:
2004: The Over 25's
2005: The Groups
2006: The 16-24's
2007: Groups
2008 Category: Boys aged 14-24
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Track record:
Steve Brookstein, mentored by Simon, won The X-Factor in 2004. Steve went on to have a number one single with 'Against all odds', however he was later dropped by his record label BMG.
Simon was a winner in the 2006 show, as Leona Lewis was declared the winner. She has since released two albums and has had number one success. She is now trying to break America, with the help of Simon Cowell. In 2007, Same Difference finished third in the competition, as they lost out to Rhydian and Leon. |
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Austin Drage |
Eoghan Quigg |
Scott Bruton |
Austin is 21 and lives in Cheshunt.
Out: Week Four |
Eoghan is 16, and is from Derry in Northern Ireland. |
Scott is 19, and is
from Manchester
Out: Week Three |
Cheryl Cole |
Cheryl Cole
Previous mentoring categories:
None
2008 Category: Girls aged 14-24 |
Track record:
Cheryl is a new judge for this year's show following Sharon Osbourne's exit after a reported feud with fellow judge, Dannii Minogue.
She rose to fame on a reality TV show, Popstars the Rivals, which launched the girl band Girls Aloud into the pop scene. She has since had numerous number one singles and top ten hits with the band, which makes her perfect for becoming a judge on the show. |
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Alexandra Burke |
Diana Vickers |
Laura White |
Alexandra is 20 and is from London |
Diana is 17, and is from Accrington
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Laura is 20 and is
from Manchester
Out: Week Five |
Danni Minogue |
Danni Minogue
Previous mentoring categories:
2007: 14-24 Boys
2008 Category: Over 25's |
Track record:
Dannii was a new judge for last year's show following the split into 4 categories. She won last year's show as both her contestant's, Leon and Rhydian reached the final.
She is hoping to make it two year's running this year. |
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Daniel Evans |
Rachel Hylton |
Ruth Lorenzo |
Daniel is 38 and is from London
Out: Week Six |
Rachel is 26 and is from London
Out: Week Seven |
Ruth is 25, and is
from Spain
Out: Week Eight |
Louis Walsh |
Louis Walsh
Previous mentoring categories:
2004: The Groups
2005: The 16-24's
2006: The Groups 2007: Over 25's
2008 Category: Groups |
Track record:
Shayne Ward , mentored by Louis, won The X-Factor in 2005.
Shayne has had a number one single with 'That's my goal' as well as a successful debut album.
In 2007, Louis had resonable success in the competition with Niki and Beverley, but neither of them got Louis the crown. |
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Bad Lashes |
JLS |
Girlband |
Bad Lashes are from County Durham
Out: Week One |
JLS are from London
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Girlband are from
Bristol and Birmingham
Out: Week Two |
The Presenters
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Name: Dermot O'Leary
Show: The X Factor
Facts: Dermot is best known for his presenting role on Big Brother's Little Brother. He recently quit the show to focus on the X Factor. This is the second year that he has presented the show after taking over Kate Thornton.
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Name: Holly Willoughby
Show: The Extra Factor
Facts: Holly is new to the show this year and has worked as a presenter on Dancing on Ice, Holly & Fearne Go Dating and Lip Service. |