X FACTOR -NEW SERIES starts Sat/Sun this weekend. And it's all change!

[Raahh]

Ok- we say every year we won't watch.

Then we do.

Granted it is usually the thread that keeps us going. Please don't leave me talking to myself

This year we have the return of Cheryl, and thankfully bye bye to Sharon. Shitsinger will be missed for her batty Nicole-isms. Chezza-Fezza-Vezza, as she is now known, was never as funny. And 'so-long' to Gary. We started off fancying him, and by the end we couldn't remember why.

One of the things that will put me off is Mel B. Couldn't stand her as a guest judge. She might be the reason I finally kick the habit

The minimum age has been reduced to 14 - they have tried this before, and it didn't work. They were 'too young. (so why bother letting them be in it then??) Wandie Liam auditioned at 14, and came back at 16 though.

Will there be ARENAS???

Can we wait?

yes we can

Ooh just came looking for this!

I will be watching (mainly as I am.on MLeave from 1st Oct so will have time to spare)

I love Cheryl and do think her and Cowell have good chemistry. I missed MelB as a judge last time round so am unsure what to expect with her. I really wish Louis would do one though, with his back catalogue of phrases and lack of a previous winner.

Id love them to do mixed categories - simply draw the names out of a hat in front of the contestants and then drag them off to judges houses from there.

I think last year we decided it would be better if they mixed the catergories- a much more interesting show then, 1 girl/boy I oldie,and a group each. Would make for a different mix. The flippy chair are back, which were a very odd addition last year.

There have been quite a few spoilers over the months, showing who has which group etc. I don't remember that happening in previous years as much.

Is good to have Simon back- Mel B tried to be really mean, but not in a constructive way. Hopefully Simon will knock her down a peg or 2.

Louis has had one winner though- wasn't Shane his?

Looking forward to itv loved Chezza before, will see how we respond to her this time. Looking forward to Mel B. Are they going to be good witch vs bad witch?!

Davros- god witch/bad witch is a very good way of putting it

Right - I suppose I need snacks. I am not drinking- this might make my X factor viewing might be a but difficult sober.

I have survived The Voice sober, though, so anything is possible

I'm just hoping I stay awake.

I am so pleased to see this thread Raahh.

I shall be here, forced upstairs as DH won't watch, DS2 will but will be pretending he's not, he rather likes Chezza! DS1 has moved out so I won't be berated for watching it every five minutes!

Hurrah!

I know it's rubbish, but I have to watch- it's like an unhealthy addiction

Me Me! I was on these threads years ago and had a hoot, think it was the Wand Erection year. DH working Saturday nights for the forseeable so I'll be watching unobstructed by his bothersome BBC4-esque good taste

Does anyone know if its still arena auditions or have they gone back to the good old days of the room?

I'm a bit meh about chezza coming back but mel b might be good.

I think there might still be ARENAS involved. The ones with 4000! people!
but the initial audition is back to being in the small room with just the judges (like last year). They have kept the musical chairs bit too- which seemed a bit rubbish and unnecessary. Still think trap doors would have been better.

Oh I do love a 'watch along with Mumsnet' thread.

Hate Mel B and her foghorn voice though..............

Ah here you all are

Raahh thank you for hosting as per usual

I will try to convince DH to watch live soi can keep up with the threads properly this year!

I really can't cope with Mel B- I'm hoping she won't be as full of herself, this time.

I actually have forgotten the name of the woman who won last year. But the other week, i read she was gonig on maternity leave. Do you get maternity leave as a reality show winner? Wonder if SyCo offer a package, aince she's been less than a year. Wonder if she will call the baby Sharon?

We need an X factor emoticon. I can't ask, I caused enough hassle getting the

And we have a Doctor Who overlap- but I'm sure the first 15 minutes of x Factor will be waffling and ad breaks

I hate Mel's voice and I come from near Leeds, she sounds like a binman

i can't listen to Mel without seeing the bo selecta man in my head

There are probably far more eloquent bin men

I hate myself. But I love you lot, so I'm in.

I am back JUST FOR XF. And under a NC. And I make no promises about watching it all, Mel B ffs. Worse than Sharon.

And because Boffles made me.

Will miss first bit as have to pick up child but if there's a thread I'm in

Yay! Resistence is futile, etc etc

I'm even watching the warm-up on ITV2. I am a dirty rotter.

Evening.

Right Raahhs hosting again .... Yay

Boffers and Hearts are present.

Maryz will crack and join in. That's a CERT.

Do you think we can lure out the one who has no purpley bits?