Getting revved up: Amanda Holden arrives on motorbike at Britain's Got Talent studios ahead of tonight's first live semi-final

By JODY THOMPSON

Racy lady: Amanda Holden arrived at the Britain's Got Talent studios this evening on the back of a motorbike to avoid the Bank Holiday traffic


It's the moment that fans have been waiting for - the return of Britain's Got Talent head judge Simon Cowell on tonight's show.

And his co-judge Amanda Holden was leaving nothing to chance when it came to getting to the show studios on time today - she was whisked there on the back of a motorbike to avoid getting stuck in Bank Holiday traffic.

Amanda was wearing an unusual biking outfit of grey miniskirt, black sunglasses, jacket and towering black patent stilettos, with her huge pink patent handbag tied behind her on the parcel rack.


Easy rider: The judge proved to be a proficient pillion passenger and even dismounted with ease, despite wearing a short grey mini skirt and towering stilettos


However, she still managed to dismount the bike with decorum before she then removed her helmet and made her way into make-up.


Keen: Amanda wrote on her Twitter page that she 'couldn't wait' to join 'her boys' including Simon Cowell on tonight's show - so made a speedy entrance on a motorbike


The star had revealed earlier today that she couldn't wait for tonight's show - though she revealed she was feeling nervous.

Writing on her Twitter page, she said: 'Woken up with major butterflies!! Cannot wait to see all the boys later and especially Simon! Hooray x'


Petrol head: The judge will be hoping to fire on all cylinders for tonight's first live semi-final - and she might want to hold on to her hard hat to protect her from co-judge Simon Cowell's comments about the acts she's helped put through...


Going through to the live semi-finals: Pippa Langhorne and her dog Buddy (left) and Romanian dancer Razy Gogonea were chosen by the judges


Flying high: Joe Oakley amazed the audience with his bike stunt tricks and progressed to the semis


Nerve-wracking: Oakley persuaded his father and a friend to lie on the floor while he jumped over them on his bike


Keyboardist Jessica Hobson, 19, and teen soprano Georgia Odette, 13, both made it through with their renditions of Billie Jean and You'll Never Walk Alone respectively.

Singing duo Mr and Mrs - who are an actual married couple comprising of a school teacher and social worker - also went through.


Infectious personality: Former music teacher Jean Martyn wowed the audience with her rock 'n' roll piano playing


But the next act received three yeses after receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Former music teacher Jean Martyn, 59, got the whole audience moving with her energetic rock 'n' roll piano routine to Great Balls Of Fire.

Mcintyre said: 'Your smile is infectious. Wildly entertaining.'

• The first Britain's Got Final semi-final is on tonight at 7:30pm.


Decision time: The Britain's Got Talent judges had to whittle down 220 acts to 40 ahead of this week's semi-finals





source: dailymail

He's back! Simon Cowell makes return on Britain's Got Talent - and gets ribbed by Ant and Dec over Cheryl Cole's X Factor sacking

By JODY THOMPSON

Leader of the pack: Britain's Got Talent's head honcho Simon Cowell returned to the judging panel tonight for the first live semi-final - but got ribbed by hosts Ant and Dec over the Cheryl Cole X Factor controversy


Simon Cowell made his eagerly-anticipated return to Britain's Got Talent tonight for the first live semi-final - and instantly got teased by show hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly over the Cheryl Cole X Factor controversy.

Cowell took to the stage mere hours after it was confirmed that the Girls Aloud star would not be a judge on this year's UK X Factor after being sacked from the U.S. version too.

And Dec couldn't resist having a pop at the show's head honcho over the treatment of fellow Geordie Cheryl, saying: 'Can you understand my accent Simon?' as he reclaimed his seat on the BGT judging panel alongside Michael McIntyre, Amanda Holden and David Hasselhoff.


Sign language: Declan Donnelly, (r) with co-host Ant McPartlin (l), referred to Cheryl Cole's dumping from the U.S. X Factor by asking Simon if he could understand his Geordie accent


Cheeky: Simon gave Ant and Dec a very knowing look as he refused to be drawn on their jibe about Cheryl Cole's departure from the X Factor


Simon's return saw 12-year-old singer Ronan Parke get put straight through to Saturday's grand final after landing the most public votes with his version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love - originally written and recorded by Bob Dylan.


Top three: (L-R) Paul Paul Gbegbaje, Joe Oakley and Ronan Parke were the three acts who got the most votes from the public on tonight's first live semi-final


However, the decision on who else should go though to the final split the judges, with David and Michael voting for BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley, but Amanda and Simon siding with pianist Paul Gbegbaje.

Ant and Dec then went to the public vote - and Paul won through with more votes.


Tense: Ronan was shocked to be voted through immediately, but Paul had to wait to hear if he'd been put through after his performance split the judging panel



Good sport: BMX rider Joe still congratulated Paul after he was voted off in favour of the piano player who went through to Saturday's final


Simon had made his grand entrance returning to the show wearing a light grey suit and a white shirt shirt unbutton to his chest, soundtracked by the Superman movie theme music to a standing ovation from his fellow judges.

However, Simon pretended not to realise that Dec was referring to the rumours that Cheryl was dropped because American audiences couldn't understand her accent, saying: 'Am I missing something here?'

Dec repeated his question as to whether or not Simon could understand his Geordie accent, but Simon sidestepped the question, announcing: 'Moving swiftly on...'


Three become four: After weeks of judging on their own, David, Amanda and Michael were rejoined by Simon tonight as the competition reached the live semis


On with the show: Simon sidestepped Ant and Dec's joke and got to work with the rest of the panel to judge the first live semi-final of BGT tonight


Thumbs up: The Hoff appeared delighted that Simon had returned to the judging panel


Simon, who has been away from the BGT judging panel while he concentrated on launching the X Factor in the States, was then asked by Ant and Dec whether he'd agreed with the decisions the judges had made in his absence.

Happy to avoid talking further on the topic of Cheryl however, Simon visibly relaxed and said: 'I've put my absolute trust in these three to find a star.

'Some of the time, one or two decisions I wouldn't have made, but I am assured by Amanda that everyone's ready for the semi finals.'


Not enough: Stuart Arnold was voted out of the competition tonight after his bizarre act failed to impress viewers at home



Terminated: Stuart Arnold's odd Arnold Schwarzenegger karaoke mash-up got buzzed off by David and Simon


Paws for thought: Dog fan Simon loved Donelda Guy and her dancing dogs Biba and Mega


Michael and Amanda meanwhile took the mickey out of Simon's dress sense - referring specifically to his plunging neckline.

Michael joked: 'I can't keep my eyes off his chest' while Amanda chipped in: 'And look at the competition, look at the Hoff's chest!'

Simon however didn't miss a beat and responded: 'And may I just say, look at your chest Amanda!'


Red hot: The Bruce Sistaz impressed the judges with their Kill Bill-style martial arts moves


Saucy dance troupe Girls Roc were the first act before the new four-strong judging panel, and instantly got Simon's seal of approval.

They emerged on a huge set of scaffolding to a remix of Eurythmic's Sweet Dreams - complete with their trademark snake and firebreathing.

They got a resounding thumbs up from David, Michael and Amanda, with Simon enthusing: 'I thought it was fantastic, nothing missing, you blowing fire, snakes, dancing. Do you do home shows?'


Piano man: Paul Gbegbaje was in tune with what the judges wanted and got a resounding thumbs up from all four


Generations of talent: Grandfather and granddaughter act Ted And Grace provided a few laughs on the night


He enthused: 'I would book you for my birthday party next year. I thought the staging was great, the dancing was a bit okay, but who cares? Terrific show girls.'

Other acts battling for the chance to win £100,000 and the chance to perform for The Queen at the Royal Variety Performance in December included long-shot Stuart Arnold, the self-styled Enter-Terminator, who failed to impress David or Simon, getting buzzed off by both.

Dog-lover Simon naturally loved canine dancers Mega and Biba with their owner Donelda Guy performing their routine to Shirley Bassey's cover of Pink's Get The Party Started.


Tenterhooks: There was tension in the studio before the finalists were unveiled by show hosts Ant and Dec


Daredevil: BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley was one of Simon's favourite acts on the night - and he managed not to fall off


Simon gushed: 'It worked more for the dogs than it did for you. But I like the facts the dogs were dancing in the middle', to which Donelda said: 'That was especially for you, Simon.'

Pianist Paul Gbegbaje was also a big hit with the judges, as were martial arts siblings the Bruce Sistaz and the shambolic but sweet Ted and Grace.
But arguably, the best was saved to last.


Big moment: 12-year-old Ronan Parke captivated the entire audience with his pitch-perfect rendition of Adele's Make You Feel My Love


Moved: Both Amanda and Simon raved about young Ronan's assured performance before millions watching live on tonight's show


On song: Ronan is an early favourite to win Saturday's BGT final and the chance to win £100,000 and a place on the Royal Variety Performance bill in December


Simon declared that penultimate performance of the night, BMX stunt rider Joe Oakley, as his favourite act of the evening, but then 12-year-old singer Ronan Parke was last up and appeared to blow all competition out of the water with his assured version of Adele's Make You Feel My Love.

David tipped Ronan to win on Saturday too, saying: 'You sang your heart out and we all felt it. You're going to be really hard to beat in this competition.'

Michael concurred, saying: 'You're a total natural. You nailed that song and I think you've got even more in reserve. '


Amanda was even more positive, saying: 'It was effortless. You have the most gorgeous voice and your parents must be bursting with pride - as I think the whole nation will be after that performance.'

And Simon said: 'I wasn't crazy about your initial choice of song, but I have to say you totally and utterly nailed that.

'If Adele's watching now I think she'll be really happy.'

There was a wait after all the performances had finished and the show returned for the 9.30pm results show, which saw an impressive performance from last year's winner's Spelbound.

Ant and Dec then announced the results of the public vote - which saw Ronan named as the out-and-out winner with automatic entry to Saturday's final.

There were then the nail-biting scenes as the judging panel was split between Paul Gbegbaje and Joe Oakley as to who should be the second act put through - before the public voted was revealed by Ant and Dec and the pianist put through to Saturdays' live final.

Britain's Got Talent is on every day this week on ITV1 at 7,30pm and 9.30pm, as the further acts are whittled down to qualify for Saturday's show.


HD Ronan Parke - Britains Got Talent Live Semi Final, click here


ADELE - 'Make You Feel My Love'



Britain's Got Talent Season 5 Semifinal 1 Pt2



source: dailymail

It's official: Cheryl Cole is OUT of the UK X Factor and Tulisa and Kelly Rowland are IN as official judging line-up is announced

By Jody Thompson


She's out: Cheryl Cole is officially NOT on this year's X Factor panel in the UK, it's been announced this evening


She's been at the centre of intense speculation over the past few days after sensationally being dumped on the U.S. version of the X Factor - but Mail Online can confirm that Cheryl Cole will NOT be returning to the UK version.

Moments ago, ITV released a brief statement on Twitter saying: 'Official: @TheXFactor (UK) judges will be: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland & Louis Walsh #itvpresscentre.'

As previously reported by the Mail, the announcement had been expected after TV executives withdrew their offer to the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star yesterday evening.


However, in a press release from ITV tonight, Cheryl's departure from the show was completely glossed over.

A quote from Simon Cowell simply said: 'These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude. They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star. I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like!'

ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham, meanwhile said in the statement: 'As multi-million selling artists, songwriters and pop masterminds, Gary, Tulisa, Kelly and Louis have huge breadth of appeal with our audience and the ability to engage both the UK’s next generation of music talent as well as ITV’s viewers.'

Fresh blood: N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland have both been officially announced tonight as the new judges on the UK X Factor


Unsurprisingly, the new judges spoke of their delight at being appointed to the panel of the show.

N-Dubz star Tulisa, 22, said: 'I'm so excited to be the joining The X Factor and want to bring something fresh and new to the panel. I'm not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little. I am hoping to find some hot new talent and mentor a winning category. It is also going to be great to get to know and work alongside the other Judges. Let the fireworks begin!"

Former Destiny's Child star Kelly, 30, meanwhile gushed: 'I am so excited to join The X Factor UK and be able to spend time in one of my favourite places in the world.

'The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of The X Factor will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough. Being a judge is never easy, but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage. I can't wait to meet the world’s next superstar!'

Something old, something new: Gary Barlow is the new man on the judging panel (L) but Louis Walsh is the only original member now in the line-up


Take That's Gary was equally enthusiastic, saying:'I'm extremely excited about working on The X Factor. I've always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too. My one goal is to find a global super star. If I don't find one I won't have done my job.'

Old hand Louis meanwhile, who perhaps can scarcely believe his luck to be the last surviving member, said: 'I'm delighted to back for my eighth series of The X Factor, it's my favourite job in the world and I'm really excited this year to work with Gary Barlow and the rest of the new panel. I'm the last original judge standing and I'm determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it's done!'

Cheryl had initially been given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, both the star and her manager, Black Eyed Pea Will.I.Am were refusing to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

Last one standing: Louis, far right, is the only judge remaining from last year's panel - Simon is concentrating on the U.S. version, and neither Cheryl or Dannii are returning


As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor.

'People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.

‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’

It leaves Louis Walsh as the only original member of the panel, as Cowell has decided to concentrate on the U.S. version, which is now undergoing an overhaul after Cheryl was given the boot.

She will be replaced on the panel of the American version by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was originally meant to be the co-host with Welsh former T4 star Steve Jones.

Sinitta, X Factor mentor and longtime friend of Simon Cowell meanwhile spoke of her displeasure at Cheryl being left out of the line-up.

Writing on her official Twitter tonight after the announcement, she said: 'p****d and bummed like everyone else. his thing has more twists and turns then the Wizard of Oz tornado!'

'They have to prove themselves that's for sure! wish them luck and I hope they do a great job, they better "bring it"! I'm not amused!I'm watching...'

She added: 'I'm meant to still be working on the show,STILL waiting to hear ...'

The new UK judging panel swing into action on Wednesday for their first auditions at Birmingham, before they continue to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.

The show itself returns to our screens last his summer.

Meanwhile, Alan Carr has revealed he's backing Gary's appointment to the x Factor panel - but only if he drops his Mr Nice Guy act.

Talking to this week's Star magazine, the Chatty Man host said: 'I want Gary to be a right bitch on X Factor. Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh saying the same things over and over again got on my nerves.'

Cheryl who? The ITV press office official announcement made no mention of the Girls Aloud singer


And he reckons N-Dubz star Tulisa could make a welcome addition to the show too.

He said: 'If Tulisa has a bit of attitude, she’ll be good.'

Meanwhile, The Saturdays star Rochelle Wiseman told the same magazine that if Cheryl had been dropped by U.S. X Factor bosses because of her accent, it was a 'silly' decision.

However, she also revealed she had a crush on new judge Gary Barlow.

She told Star of when her band first met the Take That mainman. She revealed: 'Gary was really sweet, he was like: "Girls, can I have a picture for my collection?" And I was like: "Are you kidding? Can I have a picture for my collection?"'

Read the full interviews with Alan and Rochelle is this week's Star magazine, out today.


source:dailymail

It's official: Cheryl Cole is OUT of the UK X Factor and Tulisa and Kelly Rowland are IN as official judging line-up is announced

By Jody Thompson


She's out: Cheryl Cole is officially NOT on this year's X Factor panel in the UK, it's been announced this evening


She's been at the centre of intense speculation over the past few days after sensationally being dumped on the U.S. version of the X Factor - but Mail Online can confirm that Cheryl Cole will NOT be returning to the UK version.

Moments ago, ITV released a brief statement on Twitter saying: 'Official: @TheXFactor (UK) judges will be: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland & Louis Walsh #itvpresscentre.'

As previously reported by the Mail, the announcement had been expected after TV executives withdrew their offer to the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star yesterday evening.


However, in a press release from ITV tonight, Cheryl's departure from the show was completely glossed over.

A quote from Simon Cowell simply said: 'These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude. They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star. I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like!'

ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham, meanwhile said in the statement: 'As multi-million selling artists, songwriters and pop masterminds, Gary, Tulisa, Kelly and Louis have huge breadth of appeal with our audience and the ability to engage both the UK’s next generation of music talent as well as ITV’s viewers.'

Fresh blood: N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland have both been officially announced tonight as the new judges on the UK X Factor


Unsurprisingly, the new judges spoke of their delight at being appointed to the panel of the show.

N-Dubz star Tulisa, 22, said: 'I'm so excited to be the joining The X Factor and want to bring something fresh and new to the panel. I'm not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little. I am hoping to find some hot new talent and mentor a winning category. It is also going to be great to get to know and work alongside the other Judges. Let the fireworks begin!"

Former Destiny's Child star Kelly, 30, meanwhile gushed: 'I am so excited to join The X Factor UK and be able to spend time in one of my favourite places in the world.

'The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of The X Factor will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough. Being a judge is never easy, but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage. I can't wait to meet the world’s next superstar!'

Something old, something new: Gary Barlow is the new man on the judging panel (L) but Louis Walsh is the only original member now in the line-up


Take That's Gary was equally enthusiastic, saying:'I'm extremely excited about working on The X Factor. I've always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too. My one goal is to find a global super star. If I don't find one I won't have done my job.'

Old hand Louis meanwhile, who perhaps can scarcely believe his luck to be the last surviving member, said: 'I'm delighted to back for my eighth series of The X Factor, it's my favourite job in the world and I'm really excited this year to work with Gary Barlow and the rest of the new panel. I'm the last original judge standing and I'm determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it's done!'

Cheryl had initially been given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, both the star and her manager, Black Eyed Pea Will.I.Am were refusing to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

Last one standing: Louis, far right, is the only judge remaining from last year's panel - Simon is concentrating on the U.S. version, and neither Cheryl or Dannii are returning


As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor.

'People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.

‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’

It leaves Louis Walsh as the only original member of the panel, as Cowell has decided to concentrate on the U.S. version, which is now undergoing an overhaul after Cheryl was given the boot.

She will be replaced on the panel of the American version by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was originally meant to be the co-host with Welsh former T4 star Steve Jones.

Sinitta, X Factor mentor and longtime friend of Simon Cowell meanwhile spoke of her displeasure at Cheryl being left out of the line-up.

Writing on her official Twitter tonight after the announcement, she said: 'p****d and bummed like everyone else. his thing has more twists and turns then the Wizard of Oz tornado!'

'They have to prove themselves that's for sure! wish them luck and I hope they do a great job, they better "bring it"! I'm not amused!I'm watching...'

She added: 'I'm meant to still be working on the show,STILL waiting to hear ...'

The new UK judging panel swing into action on Wednesday for their first auditions at Birmingham, before they continue to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.

The show itself returns to our screens last his summer.

Meanwhile, Alan Carr has revealed he's backing Gary's appointment to the x Factor panel - but only if he drops his Mr Nice Guy act.

Talking to this week's Star magazine, the Chatty Man host said: 'I want Gary to be a right bitch on X Factor. Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh saying the same things over and over again got on my nerves.'

Cheryl who? The ITV press office official announcement made no mention of the Girls Aloud singer


And he reckons N-Dubz star Tulisa could make a welcome addition to the show too.

He said: 'If Tulisa has a bit of attitude, she’ll be good.'

Meanwhile, The Saturdays star Rochelle Wiseman told the same magazine that if Cheryl had been dropped by U.S. X Factor bosses because of her accent, it was a 'silly' decision.

However, she also revealed she had a crush on new judge Gary Barlow.

She told Star of when her band first met the Take That mainman. She revealed: 'Gary was really sweet, he was like: "Girls, can I have a picture for my collection?" And I was like: "Are you kidding? Can I have a picture for my collection?"'

Read the full interviews with Alan and Rochelle is this week's Star magazine, out today.


source:dailymail

It's official: Cheryl Cole is OUT of the UK X Factor and Tulisa and Kelly Rowland are IN as official judging line-up is announced

By Jody Thompson


She's out: Cheryl Cole is officially NOT on this year's X Factor panel in the UK, it's been announced this evening


She's been at the centre of intense speculation over the past few days after sensationally being dumped on the U.S. version of the X Factor - but Mail Online can confirm that Cheryl Cole will NOT be returning to the UK version.

Moments ago, ITV released a brief statement on Twitter saying: 'Official: @TheXFactor (UK) judges will be: Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland & Louis Walsh #itvpresscentre.'

As previously reported by the Mail, the announcement had been expected after TV executives withdrew their offer to the 27-year-old Girls Aloud star yesterday evening.


However, in a press release from ITV tonight, Cheryl's departure from the show was completely glossed over.

A quote from Simon Cowell simply said: 'These four are totally up for it, each of them bring a different attitude. They have had a ton of hits between them and they are all committed to finding a star. I have a feeling Louis and Tulisa will have slightly different points of view as to what the next star should look and sound like!'

ITV’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham, meanwhile said in the statement: 'As multi-million selling artists, songwriters and pop masterminds, Gary, Tulisa, Kelly and Louis have huge breadth of appeal with our audience and the ability to engage both the UK’s next generation of music talent as well as ITV’s viewers.'

Fresh blood: N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland have both been officially announced tonight as the new judges on the UK X Factor


Unsurprisingly, the new judges spoke of their delight at being appointed to the panel of the show.

N-Dubz star Tulisa, 22, said: 'I'm so excited to be the joining The X Factor and want to bring something fresh and new to the panel. I'm not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little. I am hoping to find some hot new talent and mentor a winning category. It is also going to be great to get to know and work alongside the other Judges. Let the fireworks begin!"

Former Destiny's Child star Kelly, 30, meanwhile gushed: 'I am so excited to join The X Factor UK and be able to spend time in one of my favourite places in the world.

'The music coming out of the UK right now is incredible with artists like Adele, Jessie J and James Blake, so I’m confident this season of The X Factor will give me opportunity to hear a few diamonds in the rough. Being a judge is never easy, but I promise to be as sternly honest as I can and also encourage everyone who crosses the stage. I can't wait to meet the world’s next superstar!'

Something old, something new: Gary Barlow is the new man on the judging panel (L) but Louis Walsh is the only original member now in the line-up


Take That's Gary was equally enthusiastic, saying:'I'm extremely excited about working on The X Factor. I've always been a fan of the show and always enjoyed performing on it too. My one goal is to find a global super star. If I don't find one I won't have done my job.'

Old hand Louis meanwhile, who perhaps can scarcely believe his luck to be the last surviving member, said: 'I'm delighted to back for my eighth series of The X Factor, it's my favourite job in the world and I'm really excited this year to work with Gary Barlow and the rest of the new panel. I'm the last original judge standing and I'm determined to find an act that can win this year and show the others how it's done!'

Cheryl had initially been given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, both the star and her manager, Black Eyed Pea Will.I.Am were refusing to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

Last one standing: Louis, far right, is the only judge remaining from last year's panel - Simon is concentrating on the U.S. version, and neither Cheryl or Dannii are returning


As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor.

'People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.

‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’

It leaves Louis Walsh as the only original member of the panel, as Cowell has decided to concentrate on the U.S. version, which is now undergoing an overhaul after Cheryl was given the boot.

She will be replaced on the panel of the American version by Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was originally meant to be the co-host with Welsh former T4 star Steve Jones.

Sinitta, X Factor mentor and longtime friend of Simon Cowell meanwhile spoke of her displeasure at Cheryl being left out of the line-up.

Writing on her official Twitter tonight after the announcement, she said: 'p****d and bummed like everyone else. his thing has more twists and turns then the Wizard of Oz tornado!'

'They have to prove themselves that's for sure! wish them luck and I hope they do a great job, they better "bring it"! I'm not amused!I'm watching...'

She added: 'I'm meant to still be working on the show,STILL waiting to hear ...'

The new UK judging panel swing into action on Wednesday for their first auditions at Birmingham, before they continue to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.

The show itself returns to our screens last his summer.

Meanwhile, Alan Carr has revealed he's backing Gary's appointment to the x Factor panel - but only if he drops his Mr Nice Guy act.

Talking to this week's Star magazine, the Chatty Man host said: 'I want Gary to be a right bitch on X Factor. Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh saying the same things over and over again got on my nerves.'

Cheryl who? The ITV press office official announcement made no mention of the Girls Aloud singer


And he reckons N-Dubz star Tulisa could make a welcome addition to the show too.

He said: 'If Tulisa has a bit of attitude, she’ll be good.'

Meanwhile, The Saturdays star Rochelle Wiseman told the same magazine that if Cheryl had been dropped by U.S. X Factor bosses because of her accent, it was a 'silly' decision.

However, she also revealed she had a crush on new judge Gary Barlow.

She told Star of when her band first met the Take That mainman. She revealed: 'Gary was really sweet, he was like: "Girls, can I have a picture for my collection?" And I was like: "Are you kidding? Can I have a picture for my collection?"'

Read the full interviews with Alan and Rochelle is this week's Star magazine, out today.


source:dailymail

British X Factor tells Cheryl Cole: We don’t want you

By BEN TODD and SARA NATHAN

Stateside: Cheryl Cole filming The X Factor two weeks ago


Cheryl Cole will not be returning to the British version of The X Factor after TV executives withdrew their offer yesterday evening.

The star was initially given the ‘olive branch’ of returning as a judge on the UK version of the hit show after she was suddenly axed from its American counterpart last week.

However, the Daily Mail has learned that since being sacked Mrs Cole has become ‘uncontactable’. She has refused to take phone calls from TV executives, including Simon Cowell, to discuss the option.

As a result, last night they decided to end their interest in bringing her back to the UK show.

A TV source told the Mail: ‘That’s it. Cheryl will not be returning to the British X Factor. People have been trying to speak to her and persuade her this would be a good idea, but she’s been uncontactable.



Fuller face: The singer last month. It has since emerged she was under pressure to lose weight ahead of her X Factor US appearance


‘She hasn’t returned phone calls. And you can’t exactly negotiate with someone who won’t even speak to you.’

It also emerged yesterday that Mrs Cole had been under pressure to lose as much as two stone ahead of her ill-fated appearance on the U.S. X Factor.

However, she appeared looking noticeably more voluptuous as she left the airport in Chicago last weekend following auditions for the talent show.

Just days later she was axed from her role on the U.S. show.

Last night it was confirmed that Tulisa Contostavlos, from hip hop group N-Dubz, had signed a deal to join the UK judging panel.

She will appear with Take That singer Gary Barlow, U.S. pop star Kelly Rowland and long-serving judge Louis Walsh.


source: dailymail