There has been much speculation surrounding the state of the panel since the end of last year's show which featured Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa and Louis Walsh.

Rumours that Sharon Osbourne and Robbie Williams names have featured in the possible list of big names, but O'Leary says he is being kept in the dark.

In an interview with ITV he admitted: "No one has been confirmed."

The star also spoke about his burgeoning friendship with Barlow.

He said: "I get a few texts from Gary from time to time [and] we see each other quite a lot and he's the one I go out for dinner with and have fun with."

Olly Murs recently announced his departure from his hosting duties on The Xtra Factor. O'Leary says the star will be missed, adding: "Well I will miss Olly because he's like a little brother to me, but I'm so glad for him, because he loves doing this and the only reason he wouldn't do this is because he's so busy."

Reports have suggested last year's contestant Rylan Clark will replace Murs on the show, alongside Caroline Flack.

O'Leary added: "I think Rylan would be good but the most important thing is that Caroline is happy."

Mobile auditions are taking place across the UK this week in an attempt to discover talent that might not turn up in the normal preliminary rounds, but unfortunately the Colchester run wasn't very fruitful.

Townrow told The Sun newspaper that only around 20 people tried out for the show all day at The Red Lion Hotel in the area: "I was walking home and saw it on the sign for the auditions. At home I can sing brilliantly, but it didn't happen here. I'm surprised no-one else was here. It could have been the cold weather."

The lack of interest shown by the general public might be a worry, but a spokesperson for 'The X Factor' was quick to reassure the media that it simply isn't a problem: "The X Factor mobile auditions are taking place across the UK this week, allowing budding artists to try out in towns and cities where the auditions tour doesn't reach."

"The numbers attending vary from location to location and are on a par with last year when we found our winner James Arthur. Overall applications are strong for this series and are in line with last year. We've had strong turnouts at other locations for the mobile auditions with more than 250 people turning up at Hull and over 100 in Great Yarmouth."

Watch one of the most popular auditions from the last season of 'The X Factor' here:

The script has been written by comedian and TV presenter, Harry Hill, and will send up the show. Hill said that the theme will be: "at times scathing, without being cynical'.

The plot revolves around 'Chenice', an 18-year-old, who has never heard about the show as her grandfather's iron lung blocks out all ITV signals.

In a plot line reminiscent of the success of Pudsey the dog, who won Britain's Got Talent with his owner Ashleigh in 2012, Chenice meets a talking dog in the audition queue and they begin a journey to stardom 

The musical will feature 19 original songs, and is a joint venture between Syco and Stage Entertainment UK, who produced hit shows, Hairspray and Oliver!.

Characters inspired by the TV's shows judges have been created and include 'Geordie', a fictional verson of Cheryl Cole, and a man in his 80's who will play Louis Walsh.

Phillip Bateman, who worked on Billy Elliot, is the show's musical supervisor and Sean Foley will be directing.

The musical is scheduled to make its debut in 2014.

Watch Harry Hill and X Factor judge, Gary Barlow sing Beatles' hits below:

]]> Pressparty http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/64384/ Tue, 01 Jan 2013 08:49:57 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/64384/ X Factor winner, James Arthur, is heading into the studio with Fraser T Smith, the British producer and songwriter.

Fraser has produced and co-wrote Adele's 'Set Fire to the Rain'. He also produced Taio Cruz ('Break Your Heart'), Dappy ('Hurt), and James Morrision ('Broken Wings'). 

Taplow-born Fraser produced, wrote and mixed Florence and the Machine's big hit, 'You Got the Love', which was originally recorded by The Source and Candi Staton.

He also has production credits for Leona Lewis, Tinchy Stryder, Cee Lo Green, Ellie Goulding, Kylie Minogue, Pixie Lott, The Dolly Rockers, Frankmusik and Britney Spears.

He worked extensively with Craig David as his guitarist at the peak of his career.

Arthur was awarded a recording contract with label giant, Sony, when he won The X Factor. It has still to be decided which subsidiary label of the company his future records will be released under.

Watch James Arthur sing 'Impossible' on The Top of the Pops' Christmas Special below:

]]> Pressparty http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/64178/ Tue, 25 Dec 2012 18:15:49 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/64178/ Rylan Clark decided to stick to the 'Forgiveness at Christmas' motto by burying the hatchet with the X Factor judge Gary Barlow.

Clark, who nicknamed the Take That singer 'Borelow' on the ITV series, put the past behind him as he joined Gordon Ramsay for his Christmas cookalong on Channel 4 on Christmas Day.

Asked if he had been in touch with Gary ahead of the festive season, Clark told Ramsay: "I didn't send Gary a card but I'll give him a little ring in a minute. I love Gary with all my heart.'

Clark added that he was hoping to spend Boxing Day with the Barlow, saying into the camera: "I'll see you tomorrow, Gary, we'll have a little singsong!"

Essex-born and bred Clark, who helped Gordon with the cooking at times during the four-hour programme, also told Ramsay that he's not much of a cook himself.

When Ramsay asked him how he would rate himself in the kitchen between one and 10, Clark replied: 'I think I'm about a three."

Clark recalled his worst kitchen nightmare:

"My worst kitchen disaster was Pancake Day when I was 16. My mum asked me to get the Jif Lemon but I went and got the cleaning Jif instead of the lemon, so I put bleach in the pancakes." 

Watch Gordon Ramsay's Cookalong on Channel 4 below: 

The former show's contestant impressed on the talent series this year with his larger-than life character and witty chit-chat.

Clark has revealed he'll be relaxing with his family over Christmas after the whirlwind few months he's had on The X Factor.

Talking about what he would like to receive over the festive period he revealed: "A man! It's all I want. [There have been no offers] at all and I've got no f**king love life. I've been single for too long.

He added: "I wish I'd had loads of sex since the show, but I've had nothing. I haven't even had a celebrity come on to me!"

He continued in the interview with new! magazine: "I won't stop with surgery until I'm the perfect man. When I look in a mirror and see me without make-up, I see I'm far from perfect. I want to get a better body. Oh no, I can't do the gym! I have tried but it's just not me. I just get an eye work out when I go there. If it was just a case of taking a special pill I'd have loads of stuff done to my body. But I haven't got the time for surgery, really.

He continued: "Maybe just the odd tweak here or there. I have Botox every six months so that when I get to 40, I won't have wrinkles then."

Clark is part of The X Factor Live Tour 2013 which kicks off in January. 

Maloney divided audiences on this year's show - beating off some of the most-loved singers to make it through to the final three acts of the competition, with reports of his "fake" behaviour and "diva-ish" ways hitting headlines.

The wannabe singer - who came third in the competition behind runner-up Jahmene Douglas and winner James Arthur - didn't appear on the show's live final night on Sunday (December 9), citing vocal problems.

However, it had been reported online that his no-show was because he allegedly turned up to rehearsals drunk and was being abusive to fellow contestants and production staff.

His inclusion on The X Factor tour was called into question recently, but representatives from the show have confirmed to the Daily Mail that he will indeed be part of the string of shows next year.

Finalists including this year's champion Arthur took to Twitter to show their support for former contestant Sones.

The winner took to his page to simply write: "#getkyeonthexfactortour (sic)," while fan favourite Ella Henderson wrote: "Xxx want u there big bro!! (sic)"

Because of his reported bad behaviour, Maloney has been targeted by many people on Twitter, and he called for the abuse on the social networking site to stop.

He posted: "Please stop online abuse, all I done was follow my dream, coming 3rd was an -achievement. Feel gutted I didn't win and I'm unwell right now. Please. (sic)"

Nicole Scherzinger was the winning judge of the year, even though the result would not have mattered either way as she was the mentor for both acts.

James and Jahmene kicked things off by singing their favourite songs of the series, with the former taking on Robbie Williams' 'Angels' and the latter singing 'Let's Get it On'.

Their second performances were their potential Winner's single, with James taking on Shontelle's 'Impossible' and Jahmene singing The Beatles classic 'Let it Be'.

The X Factor Final featured performances by One Direction, Rihanna, Emeli Sande, and a big Christmas medley featuring the series’ contestants, with notable absences from both Lucy Spraggan and Christopher Maloney. 

Watch James Arthur sing his winner's single and perform his duet with Nicole, below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63256/ Sun, 09 Dec 2012 19:58:33 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63256/ Christopher Maloney has quit The X Factor and did not appear in the final medley with this series’ contestants.

Showbiz writer Dan Wootton had previously tweeted before the show: “If you've been off Twitter tonight, you might be interested to know Baloney showed his true colours today. Has been axed from tonight's show.”

Whilst speculation has been rife behind his exit, a representative from The X Factor stated: "Chris decided he no longer wanted to be part of the X Factor Final and has gone back to Liverpool."

Christopher Maloney came third in the competition behind Jahmene Douglas and James Arthur. 

Watch Chris Maloney's exit interview in the final last night below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63215/ Sun, 09 Dec 2012 09:15:56 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63215/ Nicole Scherzinger faced a technical glitch in the final of The X-Factor last night (December 8). In her duet with contestant Jahmene Douglas, a technical error meant that her microphone was not on.

The duo were singing Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love’ when they were forced to share Jahmene’s microphone. When Nicole figured out that her microphone was not working, she asked Jahmene to stand by her side so that they could use his to complete the song.

Their duet received a standing ovation by the judges but Nicole seemed upset after the error, by saying: “Well, it sucks when your mic is not on, but he's my little angel and to share the stage with him, that's the reason that I'm here.”

Earlier in the show, Jahmene had revealed that Nicole always sends him text messages and stated that she's “the best mentor anyone could ask for”.

The show faced another technological glitch when a camerman fell to the floor on stage after Christopher Maloney went out of the running.

Jahmene Douglas will now face James Arthur, Nicole’s other act, in the two-head final tonight (December 9).

Watch Nicole Scherzinger and Jahmene Douglas' duet below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63205/ Sat, 08 Dec 2012 22:21:53 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/63205/ Controversial contestant Christopher Maloney has left The X Factor ahead of tomorrow's final showdown.

James Arthur and Jahmene Douglas - both mentored by judge Nicole Scherzinger - have made it through and will battle it out in the show's grand final at Manchester Central Arena tomorrow (December 9.)

After performing with mentor Gary Barlow, Maloney received the least number of public votes, resulting in his departure from the show at the final hurdle.

Earlier in the show he performed 'What A Feeling' before taking to the stage to perform Take That hit 'Rule The World' alongside Barlow.

Maloney has divided audiences on this year's show - beating off some of the most-loved singers to make it through to the final five acts of the competition, with reports of his "fake" behaviour and "diva-ish" ways hitting headlines.

Tonight, his time on The X Factor came to end, and the wannabe singer bowed out graciously with a smile on his face.

Left to battle it out in tomorrow's live grand finale are friends and fellow category acts Douglas and Arthur.

The two wowed with their solo performances tonight, with Jahmene impressing with an upbeat rendition of 'Move On Up' before taking to the stage with Scherzinger to sing 'The Greatest Love Of All.' There was a little drama on stage after Douglas' microphone failed and the pair had to share the same one.

Arthur's two performances were equally as exciting. He performed 'Feeling Good' before duetting with Scherzinger on 'Make You Feel My Love.'

Also in spectacular X Factor style, a host of big name stars performed throughout the show, including Rita Ora, Kelly Clarkson and Kylie Minogue.

The 20-year-old, who wowed the judges and viewers with her self-composed songs, had to leave the competition last month due to illness. However, she has assured fans that her music career will continue away from the X Factor spotlight.

Spraggan said in an interview with The Sun: "The plan is to write an album and have it released by spring, around March time.

"I’ve already got about 200 songs written up and ready to go, although obviously not all of those will make it. I haven’t written about X Factor yet but I always write about my experiences, so I’m sure that I will."

However, she also noted: "I haven’t got a record deal yet, but hopefully I will in the next few months."

Lucy Spraggan is set to perform on the X Factor final this weekend, where James Arthur, Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney will all contend to become the winner of the show's 2012 series, although she will not be part of the X Factor 2013 tour.

Watch Lucy Spraggan perform 'Tea And Toast' on The X Factor below:

The 24-year-old made the revelation in an interview with Look, and said that he had suffered from suicidal thoughts and become dependent on alcohol as a result.

Arthur said: "This time last year was the darkest point in my life. I wanted to be making music and I wasn't, so I cut myself off from everyone and I was in a bad place.

"I'd stay in my bedsit on my own or get obliterated [on drink] to try to forget about it. I felt ready to give up on life. I didn't want to jump off a building, but who knows how bad it could have got?"

However, the singer credits the reality show with giving him renewed faith in life, adding: "I've got my confidence back. My attitude's been rejuvenated.

"The X Factor saved me. It's helped me beat my demons, and I know I'll never let that happen again."

James Arthur will battle it out with Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney to be crowned the winner of The X Factor 2012 this weekend.

Watch James Arthur perform Marvin Gaye's 'Let's Get It On' on The X Factor below: 

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/62913/ Tue, 04 Dec 2012 22:26:35 +0000 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/TheXFactor/view/62913/ X Factor contestant James Arthur has described his homecoming visit as "epic".

The popular singer caused a stir in Middlesbrough today when he performed for fans during a trip home alongside mentor and X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger.

Arthur took to Twitter to gush about the overwhelming experience:

"Wow that was epic! Thank you SO much for all of your support, Middlesbrough you have made today very special for me x (sic)," he wrote.

Arthur and Scherzinger left the Best Western Hotel in Marton, Middlesbrough, this morning (December 4) to embark on a visit to his hometown of Saltburn in the Northern town.

The pair were greeted by hundreds of screaming fans waving 'Vote for James' signs, as they made their way around on matching black Harley Davidson motorbikes.

This evening he used the social network site to thank fans for their continued support and let them know about his gig at the town hall.

He tweeted: "On route to my homecoming at Middlesbrough town hall! Thanks for waiting in the rain I appreciate it so much! #HomecomingGig. So excited to walk on stage at Middlesbrough town hall!! Big dream of mine coming true! #HomecomingGig #amazing (sic)."

Arthur is battling it out in The X Factor final this weekend alongside Jahmene Douglas and Christopher Maloney.

The four piece - comprising Josh Cuthbert, Jaymi Hensley, JJ Hamblett and George Shelley - received the least number of public votes, resulting in their departure from the show.

James Arthur, Christopher Maloney and Jahmene Douglas are all through to The X Factor live final next weekend.

Union J received mainly positive comments from the judges on Saturday night (December 1) for their two performances - Labrinth's recent No. 1 hit 'Beneath Your Beautiful' and ballad 'Already There' by Lonestar.

While their first performance was praised, judge Gary Barlow criticised their Lonestar rendition commenting: "It was a nice performance, good vocals, but it's extremely safe. It was a repeat from the first performance. I worry that you're not going to get enough votes, and we can't save you anymore."

Earlier on the show, X Factor judge Tulisa stepped onto the stage to perform a stripped back performance of her latest single 'Sight Of You'.

US songstress P!nk also wowed audiences with her debut X Factor appearance, performing a powerful rendition of her new track 'Try' from album 'The Truth About Love.'

Kylie Minogue, One Direction, Rihanna and Emeli Sande will all appear on next week's live final alongside the remaining three contestants.