X Factor 2016 judges confirmed

The X Factor 2016 judges have been confirmed for this year's series. As many had expected Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger will return alongside Simon Cowell for the new series.

They replace outgoing judges Nick Grimshaw, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora on the panel. As previously announced, former host Dermot O'Leary will return for presenting duty after being temporarily replaced by Olly Murs and Caroline Flack last year.

Speaking of her return, Sharon, who last won the show with Sam Bailey in 2013 said: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou, Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon.

"But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”Nicole Scherzinger was a hugely popular judge on The X Factor in 2012 and 2013, securing victory in her first series with James Arthur and proving a huge hit with viewers for her enthusiastic and passionate approach.

The former Pussycat doll said: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel.

"I'm excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year. And having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it.”

Music manager and X Factor legend Louis Walsh also reprises his role on the panel, returning for a record-breaking twelfth series as a UK X Factor judge. Talking about his comeback, Louis said: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! 

— Mirror.co.uk