X Factor return date set

ITV bosses confirm when reality show will start...

14:55 11 August 2011

The X Factor will return to ITV1 on Saturday 20 August at 8pm, it has been announced.

The show returns with three new judges, Kelly Rowland, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos, who will join the only remaining original judge, Louis Walsh, on the panel.

Dermot O'Leary returns as the host of the main show after missing out on the coveted US X Factor job to fellow Brit, Steve Jones.

Producers have also teased that there will be new challenges and twists for the contestants, if they make it through the audition stages, and onto Boot Camp and Judges' Houses stages of the competition.

A source told showbiz website Digital Spy:

"The show is back and bigger than ever. Everybody working on the series is excited about being part of the most talked-about programme on TV all over again.

"Gary Barlow has been a brilliant addition to the judging panel; he's really dry and funny.

"Kelly Rowland will surprise people, Tulisa is definitely going to be a hit and Louis Walsh is re-energised and has a great new dynamic with all three of his new co-stars."

The Xtra Factor has also had a presenter change, with widely-panned Konnie Huq being replaced by former contestant, Olly Murs and TV presenter Caroline Flack.

This will be the eighth series of the music reality show, where contestants compete for the chance of a lifetime and a £1million recording contract.

Previous programme winners include Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke.