It's Time to Face the Music

It's almost Christmas! And how do we know this? Well The X Factor live shows are about to begin...

In just over 24 hours, the 12 final acts - along with four wild card's - will take to the stage at Wembley's Fountain Studios to sing to the nation.

Who's excited?

Mel B has already announced that she's 'soooo happy' with her boys category, consisting of Jake Quickenden, Paul Akister and Andrea Faustini, and her wild card act, while Cheryl has announced that the girls - Lauren Platt, Chloe Jasmine and Stephanie Nala - are the best category by far!

I'm most looking forward to seeing Simon's Over 25's - and think that Jay James will do very well. Jay is joined in the Overs by Ben Haenow and Fleur East.
In the last few years the Over 25's have gone from being 'over the hill, no-ones's interested' acts to people who have a very good shot in the industry.

A comment on the TV yesterday made me laugh, which called the Overs the 'golden oldies.' The eldest contestant is Jay, and he's only 31!

The Groups - Blonde Electra (who changed their name at the last minute from Blonde Electric), Only the Young and the new boy-band, who were put together at bootcamp stage, also look good - especially because of the latter.

This is the first eight-piece group ever on the show - and their name has been picked by fans via Twitter, to be revealed tomorrow night.

I'm now off to try and sneak a peek at who the wild card acts could be... They were apparently chosen not by the category mentor but the other judges...

Lola Saunders was apparently spotted at the contestant house, so she could be Cheryl's...Whereas it's hoped that Overload are picked as Louis'.

Who's your fave so far?

MORE REALITY TELLY

EASTENDERS NEWS

HOLLYOAKS GOSS

BREAKING NEWS: The X Factor - New judge officially confirmed...

The worst kept secret in reality TV has finally been revealed - Mel B has been announced as the final, and new, judge on The X Factor.

Scary Spice has previous experience judging on the show as she was a guest judge in 2012 - leaving an 82-year-old hopeful on the verge of tears after telling him that she 'wanted to fall asleep' during his performance.

Talk about living up to your name!

In a deal, reportedly worth £1 million, Mel will join Simon Cowell, staple judge Louis Walsh (yes, even after saying he's not returning - he is!) and comeback-girl Cheryl Cole on the panel.

"I'm so excited to be joining The X Factor - I loved being a guest judge back in 2012. I've always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that's what I'm going to bring more of this year - whether it's spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating the Simon over who's got it wrong! Now I can't wait to get started and find some amazing talent," Mel said.

Simon is also thrilled to have Mel on board, saying, "I thought she was fantastic as a guest judge a couple of years ago. She s feisty, opinionated and, I believe, will be a great mentor."

Now, call me cynical, but I can easily see fireworks between feisty Mel and even feistier Cheryl, who already has beef with our 'Lou Lou.'

"They don't get on great, but they're just going to have to,' Simon said about the frictions between Louis and Cheryl.

Dermot O'Leary has also been confirmed to be returning as host, and the audition phases will be in two parts this year, with the first being a closed audition, and then a big arena performance, before Bootcamp and the all-exciting Judges Houses round.

The X Factor auditions begin on Monday, in Manchester, and will be back on our screens in August, on ITV.

MORE REALITY NEWS

SOAP GOSSIP