The multi BAFTA-award winning entertainment show The X Factor is back with a bang for an eighth series as Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa and Louis Walsh form a brand-new judging panel. All the tabloid talk may have been about Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, but the new judging panel will take to the road to scour the length and breadth of Britain for the next singing sensation and to prove they can spot that elusive X factor.

This year’s contestants give the judges more action and entertainment than ever before as Gary is forced to take to the stage to eject rejects, Kelly mops up tears, Tulisa rows with an angry contestant and Louis finds an Irish singer he doesn’t like…

The eighth series also promises some changes in the show’s format, including more auditions, the biggest ever Bootcamp, a spectacular live final in Wembley Arena and, for the first time, the contestants living together under the show’s watchful cameras.

Presenter Dermot O’Leary returns to host proceedings, bringing viewers all the action from the wings during the audition rounds through to the tears, celebrations and excitement of the live shows until the winner of The X Factor 2011 is crowned.

The Xtra Factor also returns to ITV2 for an eighth series with brand new hosts, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, at the helm to bring viewers the inside scoop on everything X Factor related, chatting to the contestants, judges and ITV1 presenter, Dermot O’Leary. With three new faces on The X Factor judging panel, Gary Barlow, Tulisa and Kelly Rowland joining Louis Walsh, plus more cameras than ever before capturing loads more action, new hosts Caroline and Olly are guaranteed to bring The Xtra Factor viewers all the hottest gossip and backstage stories.

Olly Murs and Caroline Flack will present The Xtra Factor...

This year’s X Factor also sees the introduction of a whole new range of digital elements to give fans more access to all the best bits of the UK’s mostloved entertainment show.  For the first time ever, there will be an iPhone App which will include the brand new ‘Tap to Clap’ where fans can show their appreciation for contestants, performances, judges’ comments, guest stars and results in real time, wherever they are, by ‘applauding’. They can then share their ‘applause’ with other fans on Faceboook and Twitter. The App also provides the latest clips, news and highlights from the show and can be used via Wi Fi and 3G.

Also new this year is The X Factor Superfans, where the nation’s most ardent fans will be given the chance to be a part of the show as roving reporters interviewing contestants, judges, hosts and fellow fans. At each stage of the competition, their thoughts and opinions will be posted on The X Factor website as either blogs or videos.