Nick Grimshaw, Rita Ora join X Factor panel

Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora have been offically confirmed as new judges for the upcoming series of The X Factor.

The Radio 1 Breakfast Show host and RIP singer will join the panel alongside returning judges Cheryl Fernandez-Fersini and Simon Cowell for the 12th installment of the ITV singing competition.

Cheryl

Former Voice coach Ora – who has previously served as a guest judge on the show – said: “I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012. This is a journey I can’t wait to embark on to find some talented singers. It’s the new generation taking over. Boom!”

Grimshaw added: “I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I’m hugely excited to be joining the show.

“Music is my job and my passion and I’m really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can’t wait for Judges’ Houses in Oldham!”

Cheryl, who will sit on the panel for a fifth time, said: “I haven’t been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge.

“The addition of Rita and Grimmy along with some interesting changes we’ve made to the format has refocused us to do what we do best, finding talent and making stars. I cannot wait to get started!”

The best kept secret in TV is out!! But I am really happy with the new judging line up for XFactor this year. Its going to be a lot of fun

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) June 16, 2015

Meanwhile show boss Cowell added: “It’s taken a while! But I am very happy to be able to confirm our line-up of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun!

“I have a feeling I am in for a bit of a rough time but sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and now, with luck, we hope to find a star.”

The X Factor is expected to return to screens on ITV in late Auguest, with new co-hosts Olly Murs and Caroline Flack taking over from Dermot O’Leary.

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