The X Factor judges & hosts: Then & now
This year's X Factor marks its thirteenth year on our screens, a long running time during which the show has turned around twelve different judges (and even more presenters).
But coming full circle for 2016, with seasoned favourites Nicole Scherzinger, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Simon Cowell returning to make the judges lineup (and Dermot and Rylan returning for hosting duties) we take a look at how the show's cast have changed in that time.
From Simon's ever-lowering shirt buttons to Rylan's whitened gnashers, here's Team X Factor from their first series to now...
Sharon Osbourne
Having been part of the original line-up in 2004 (and missed desperately in every series she's been away from), the show just wouldn't be right without Sharon Osbourne, aka the queen of The X Factor. Since her series 1 debut, Sharon's been making us laugh with her infectious cackle and take-no-shit approach to judging...
... Meaning we're thrilled that she's been cast for the latest series. Sharon's still rocking her signature red hair, black suits and loud accessories, which we're glad about.
Nicole Scherzinger
Ex-Pussy Cat Doll front woman Nicole Scherzinger first joined the panel for series 9 in 2012, beside co-judges Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Louis Walsh. She was an instant hit for her bubbly personality, hilarious Americanisms ("YAAAAAS" and "Shamazing") and her tendency to burst into song - putting most of the contestants to shame in the process, naturally.
Nicole judged for a further series in 2013, before leaving the panel amid rumours she wanted to focus on her music. But fear not, it wasn't long until Nicole re-signed on the dotted line and she's now back to give us all the LOLs for 2016. Looks-wise, swapping her long dark locks for an ombre situation, Nicole's still looking as gorge as back in 2012.
Simon Cowell
He's the crux that holds the X Factor together (we all missed him in the years that he was absent to judge the X Factor USA), so it only feels right that Simon Cowell joins originals Sharon and Louis for this year's panel...
As for his style, he's lost the high-waisted jeans and his necklines have seen a dramatic dip...
Rex FeaturesLouis Walsh
Louis Walsh is still X Factor's longest-standing judge with an eleven series reign. This all ended in 2015 when Louis was reportedly sacked by producers. But ultimately, viewers (and Simon, clearly) missed his presence on the panel...
Still looking, like, exactly the same as he did in 2004, he's back this year ready to find some more talent (preferably Irish).
Rylan Clarke
Rylan Clarke made his X Factor debut in the same year as Nicole for series 9, but he was on the opposite side of the judging desk. When we first spotted his peroxide locks and heard his East London accent, we didn't imagine we'd be seeing Rylan further than a few audition gags and Boot Camp LOLs. But how wrong we were...
After his now-famous Judges Houses moment (where he screamed, cried and gagged his way through Nicole telling him he'd made it to the live shows), Rylan's personality won over a nation. After a Celebrity Big Brother housemate stint in 2013, Rylan landed himself a presenting role on CBB's Bit On The Side, before getting his own chat show, Up Late with Rylan. For this year, he returns to his home as presenter of The Xtra Factor alongside Matt Edmondson (minus the bleached locks).
Dermot O'Leary
Dermot O'Leary hosted the show for seven whole seasons from 2007 to 2014, so there was uproar from fans when he heavy-heartedly announced that he wouldn't be returning the following year. Fans desperately missed his ability to muddle through awkward situations, remain calm in testing live TV moments and they laughed along when Dermie (as he's affectionately become known) stifled laughs when he was meant to remain serious. Rylan's famous Judges House moment included.
So, naturally, we were chuffed when Dermot confirmed he would be reprising his role for this year's show. He's still looking as good as ever. Long live Dermot.
