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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Isobel Frodsham

X Factor The Band: Everything you need to know about the new talent show

Just as X Factor: Celebrity has come to an end, the format is back with a new spin-off, X Factor: The Band.

The series will debut on Monday and has already been embroiled in controversy over Simon Cowell’s decision to bring the date forward for the show, after Little Mix announced that they would be launching a new talent show with the BBC.

With a host of guest appearances from famous faces and music industry stalwarts, it is hoped that the show will continue to rake in the viewing figures for ITV now that I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! has finished.

So what can we expect from The X Factor: The Band?

Here is everything you need to know.

What will happen on X Factor: The Band?

The early auditions, which took place in Simon Cowell’s offices in London, have already been filmed. The next stage will see the chosen singers audition in front of an audience at an arena in Birmingham.

The judges will then form a boy band and girl band who will then go head to head in the live final.

What is the winning prize?

Like many of the bands before them – see Little Mix, Rak-Su and various solo artists – the winning group will scoop a record contract.

Turning up the heat: The auditions in the first episode (ITV)

Who is going to be in it?

Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger, who have been consistent judges in the X Factor and its spinoff series, as well as new star Leona Lewis.

Lewis won the series in 2006 and has gone on to see great success with her career, boasting 30 million record sales.

There will also be guest appearances from producers Naughty boy, Lil’ Eddie and Fred Ball and singers Ella Eyre and Carla Williams.

Dermot O'Leary - our favourite solo host - will also return as the presenter for the show.

Dynamic duo: Simon and Nicole are back in the hot seats (ITV)

When does it start?

The X Factor: The Band launches on ITV on Monday, December 9 at 8.30pm and continues on Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 13, both at 8.30pm.

The live final airs on ITV on Sunday, December 15.

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