The X Factor Episode Guide

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Episode Guide

The X Factor: Season 6

  • Season 6 Episode 30: EPISODE: 30

    Following last night's performances, one of the acts now leaves the competition in third place and the other two have one more chance to impress as they each perform the winner's single - a dead cert for the Christmas number one. Dermot O'Leary then announces this year's champion. Tonight's show also promises a few big-name guests, following in the footsteps of Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson and Robbie Williams, who have all appeared in recent weeks - and if last year's duet between Alexandra Burke and Beyonce is anything to go by, the 2009 final will go out on a high

  • Season 6 Episode 29: EPISODE: 29

    After months of auditions, nail-biting boot camps, trips to exotic locations abroad and eventful studio shows, the last 12 hopefuls have been whittled down to just three - Joe, Stacey and Olly - who are competing to win a £1million recording contract and the possibility of global fame that goes with it. However, only two acts will get through to the very last stage of the contest and perform the winner's single. Dermot O'Leary presents, with Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh passing judgement as usual

  • Season 6 Episode 28: EPISODE: 28

    Pop diva Janet Jackson sings a track from her greatest hits album The Best and singer-songwriter Lady GaGa performs her latest single Bad Romance, before Dermot O'Leary announces the result, which will see one of the four remaining acts have their dreams of stardom shattered. Next week's grand final beckons for the other three - which will be just as tense for the judges as they find out if any of their contestants have made it to the last stage of the contest

  • Season 6 Episode 27: EPISODE: 27

    Following Lloyd's departure, Olly, Stacey, Danyl and Joe compete for the three places in next week's grand final. Tonight's song choices include a Michael Jackson hit for each act, and with the late King of Pop's sister Janet performing in the X Factor results show, they will all be keen to impress her. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh give their verdicts on the performances but are powerless to save acts as the voting public have complete control over who stays in the contest. Hosted by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 26: EPISODE: 26

    Rihanna and Alicia Keys perform their new singles Russian Roulette and Doesn't Mean Anything, from their latest albums. Dermot O'Leary then announces the results of the public vote and the contestants in the bottom two have to sing again, before Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue pick their favourite. However, if that process ends in deadlock, the act with the fewest phone votes is the one going home - just two weeks before the final

  • Season 6 Episode 25: EPISODE: 25

    With the mighty John and Edward now out of the running, the pressure mounts for Danyl, Joe, Lloyd, Olly and Stacey as they now sing two songs, one by Elton John and one Take That number, in the hope of winning a place in next week's semi-final. However, it isn't the judges they'll need to impress. From this point on, Simon and his fellow panellists no longer wield the power to send contestants home - the final decision now comes down to the public vote. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 24: EPISODE: 24

    Mariah Carey takes the stage to perform her new song I Want to Know What Love Is, a cover of Foreigner's Eighties power ballad. Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle sings her debut single Wild Horses, from her album I Dreamed a Dream, and Dermot O'Leary announces the results of the public vote, before the contestants in the bottom two have to sing again for Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue

  • Season 6 Episode 23: EPISODE: 23

    The battle for the X Factor crown continues as the six remaining acts compete to win viewers' votes and impress judges Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell, who will now be putting everything he has got into Danyl Johnson and Olly Murs following Jamie Archer's exit last week. All the contestants will be hoping to raise their game tonight and avoid a position in the bottom two as they fight to move one step closer to their dream of a record deal. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 22: EPISODE: 22

    Dermot O'Leary announces the results of the public vote and the bottom two sing again, with only one making it through to next week's live show as Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh send home their least favourite. This year's eliminated finalists also return to join the remaining acts in a performance of Michael Jackson's You Are Not Alone, which they are releasing as a charity single to raise funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital. It follows the success of last year's cover of Mariah Carey's Hero, which raised more than £1million for the Help for Heroes charity

  • Season 6 Episode 21: EPISODE: 21

    Former favourite Lucie Jones' departure last week proved that nobody is safe in this competition as controversial twins John and Edward survived another week. Now, the battle for the X Factor crown continues as the seven remaining acts compete to win viewers' votes and impress judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, who will be pulling no punches as they defend their own performers. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 20: EPISODE: 20

    Dermot O'Leary presents performances by 2006 X Factor winner Leona Lewis, who sings her new release Happy from forthcoming album Echo, and American hip-hop group Black Eyed Peas play their latest single Meet Me Halfway. The result of the public vote is then announced and the bottom two acts sing again, with only one making it through to next week's live show as Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh send home their least favourite

  • Season 6 Episode 19: EPISODE: 19

    Simon Cowell is now the only judge with all three acts still in the competition, after Rachel Adedeji was voted off last week, having already been in the bottom two twice. Now, the battle for the X Factor crown continues as the eight remaining acts perform songs from movies, competing to win viewers' votes and impress Simon, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh, who will be pulling no punches as they defend their own performers. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 18: EPISODE: 18

    Dermot O'Leary presents performances by last year's X Factor runners-up JLS, with new single Everybody in Love, and US rockers Bon Jovi, celebrating the release of forthcoming new album The Circle. Then the results of the public vote are announced and the bottom two acts sing again, with only one making it through to next week's live show as Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh send home their least favourite

  • Season 6 Episode 17: EPISODE: 17

    Louis Walsh is now down to one act, having lost Miss Frank last week after their sing-off against Danyl Johnson. Now, the remaining contestants take on rock songs in a bid to win viewers' votes and impress the judges. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis deliver their verdicts on the performances and, as usual, the contestants then face an agonising 24-hour wait for the results show to find out whether the voting public has put them in the bottom two. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 6 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    Westlife return to the stage after supporting runners-up JLS in last year's final, performing their new single What About Now, from their forthcoming album Where We Are. Michael Buble also sings a tune from his latest CD Crazy Love. The acts in the bottom two sing again, hoping to win a reprieve from judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, who hold the fate of the hopefuls in their hands. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 6 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    Last week saw Rachel Adedeji survive a second week in the bottom two as Simon Cowell gave Rikki Loney the chop. Now, the remaining 10 acts take on swing classics in big band night, accompanied by a full orchestra. Songs from the likes of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin are likely to feature, along with a few unexpected selections, and, with Louis back on the show, he, Simon, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue give their verdicts on the performances. The singers then face an agonising 24-hour wait for the results show to find out whether the voting public has put them in the bottom two. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 6 Episode 14: EPISODE: 14

    Whitney Houston marks the release of her hotly anticipated new album I Look to You with a performance on stage, and judge Cheryl Cole sings her debut solo track Fight for This Love. The two acts with the fewest votes then compete in the sing-off, and with Louis Walsh still absent, they hope to win a reprieve from Cheryl, Simon Cowell and Dannii Minogue, who hold the fate of the hopefuls in their hands. The finalists also provide another group performance after opening last week's show with I Gotta Feeling. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 6 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    Following Kandy Rain's elimination, the 11 remaining acts perform in the second live studio round, with Rachel Adedeji feeling the pressure to raise her game after taking on the girl group in last week's sing-off. The decision as to who will be in the bottom two is again down to the viewers' vote, but the hopefuls will still be out to impress the judges - all except Louis, who is in Ireland for Stephen Gately's funeral - as they are the ones who ultimately decide who will stay and who will go. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 6 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    Dermot O'Leary presents the first new Sunday night results show, including performances by Robbie Williams - with his new single Bodies - and last year's X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. He also announces the outcome of the viewers' phone-in and the two acts with the fewest votes sing again, after which it is up to the judges to decide who stays and who goes

  • Season 6 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    After weeks of auditions and deliberations, the competition finally begins as the boys (Joe McElderry, Lloyd Daniels, Rikki Loney), the girls (Stacey Solomon, Lucie Jones, Rachel Adedeji) the groups (Kandy Rain, Miss Frank, John & Edward) and the over 25s (Olly Murs, Danyl Johnson, Jamie Archer) take to the stage for the first live show. They may be singing for viewers' votes, but the ones they will be really hoping to impress are the judges - Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, who will be pulling no punches as they defend their own performers. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 10: Judges' Houses 2

    With the hopefuls having done all they can to impress the judges, Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue now face the difficult task of telling the remaining acts in their categories which of them have made it into the final 12 - and who is heading home disappointed. Dermot O'Leary then follows the winners and losers as they break the news to their families

  • Season 6 Episode 9: Judges' Houses 1

    Dermot O'Leary presents the first of two programmes in which the judges invite the remaining 24 acts to exotic locations to make their final selections. Simon Cowell is joined by Sinitta in Los Angeles, Cheryl Cole teams up with Will Young in Morocco, Louis Walsh and Ronan Keating are in Italy, while Dannii Minogue and her sister Kylie fly out to Dubai for the last round of auditions, which will decide the 12 acts who will make it through to the live studio shows

  • Season 6 Episode 8: Bootcamp Show 2

    In the second of two boot-camp specials, the 50 remaining acts return to the stage to perform in front of an audience of nearly 4,000 people at London's Hammersmith Apollo. Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue then pick the final 24 who will move on to the judges' houses - before finding out which category they will be mentoring for the rest of the competition. Hosted by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 7: Bootcamp Show 1

    The first of two programmes in which the 200 successful contestants from the past five weeks enter boot camp, which will take place in front of a packed audience at London's Hammersmith Apollo. Judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue put the singers through their paces as they split themselves into groups, choose a song and start rehearsing for a performance that will determine whether they make it through to the next stage of boot camp. Hosted by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    The contestants have one last chance to impress Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole in the final audition show before boot camp begins. The judges have seen some promising new talent this year, including Lucie Jones in Cardiff and Danyl Johnson in London, and will be hoping for one final batch of solo acts and groups that are good enough to put through to the all-important next stage of the contest. Dermot O'Leary hosts

  • Season 6 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    The 100th episode, which also marks the first in a double bill of shows this weekend bringing the 2009 auditions to a close. Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue give their verdicts on hopeful singers in London and Birmingham, where highlights include celebrations for Cheryl's birthday, a prison teacher who dons stockings and suspenders in her desperate bid to get into Heat magazine, a care worker who used to perform alongside her recently deceased father and a couple whose relationship is tested when one of them does not come up to scratch. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue give their verdicts on another batch of solo singers and groups auditioning in front of an audience of thousands. Dermot O'Leary meets the contestants as well as their friends and families backstage as more aspiring pop stars hope to follow in the footsteps of the talent show's biggest winner Leona Lewis and rising star Alexandra Burke

  • Season 6 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue give their verdicts on another batch of solo singers and groups auditioning in front of an audience of thousands. Dermot O'Leary meets the contestants as well as their friends and families backstage as more aspiring pop stars hope to follow in the footsteps of the talent show's biggest winner Leona Lewis and rising star Alexandra Burke

  • Season 6 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh make or break the dreams of another batch of aspiring pop stars as the audition tour arrives in Birmingham, before heading back to Manchester and London. Highlights include a 50-year-old Brummie with dreams of rock stardom and a 22-year-old lass who tugs at fellow Geordie Cheryl Cole's heartstrings. Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 6 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    Dermot O'Leary kicks off this year's singing contest with auditions in London, Manchester and Glasgow, where a new format sees a record-breaking number of applicants facing an audience as well as the judges. Returning on the panel to search for the next superstar are Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole - who mentored last year's winner Alexandra Burke. Highlights in the first round include Irish twins, a French waiter and a performance described by Simon as the best first audition he has ever heard

The X Factor: Season 5

  • Season 5 Episode 20: EPISODE: 20

    After 19 weeks of hilarious auditions, nail-biting boot camps and eventful studio shows, the last 12 hopefuls have been whittled down to just three. Now it is the moment of truth as they compete in the final, each hoping to win a £1million recording contract and the possibility of global fame that goes with it. There will also be a look back at highlights from the series and a few surprise guest stars. Dermot O'Leary presents the climax of the talent show, with Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh passing judgement as usual. The results are at 9.40pm

  • Season 5 Episode 19: EPISODE: 19

    Alexandra, Diana, Eoghan and JLS compete for the three places in next week's grand final. Having seen the 12 acts who qualified for the live stage whittled down to just four, judges Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh will be keen to defend their own performers, while Dannii, whose acts have all now left the competition, is entirely neutral. However, it's the public who decide who goes through to next week's final. Dermot O'Leary presents. The results can be seen at 8.45pm

  • Season 5 Episode 18: EPISODE: 18

    The pressure doubles for Alexandra, Diana, Eoghan, JLS and Ruth as they now sing two songs, one American classic and one by Britney Spears, in the hope of winning a place in next week's semi-final. The judges will also have their say but no longer have the power to save acts as from now on the decision rests entirely with the voting public. Also taking to the stage is Billy-Ray's daughter Miley Cyrus, star of hit US TV show Hannah Montana. The results can be seen at 10.15pm

  • Season 5 Episode 17: EPISODE: 17

    Dermot O'Leary presents as the six remaining acts sing some of Take That's biggest hits. Then, Gary, Mark, Jason and Howard show the contestants how it should be done as they perform their new single Greatest Day. As the phonelines open for the public to vote for their favourite act, two of them will appear in the final showdown. The results can be seen at 9.55pm

  • Season 5 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    The seven remaining acts perform yet again before judges Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh have their say. Then the phonelines open for the public to vote for their favourite, determining which two will appear in the final showdown. Presented by Dermot O'Leary. The results can be seen at 9.35pm

  • Season 5 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    Special guest Mariah Carey sings live and then the eight remaining acts have the tough task of following in the American diva's footsteps by each performing one of her songs. Dermot O'Leary hosts proceedings and judges Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh have their say, before the phonelines open for the public to decide which two acts will appear in the final showdown. The results can be seen at 9.35pm

  • Season 5 Episode 14: EPISODE: 14

    With four acts being voted off already, things will be getting even more tense for the final eight as they take to the stage once more - especially as at one time or another, most of the remaining ones have been told by the judges they could be the one to beat. Dermot O'Leary hosts proceedings and the judges will have their say, before the phonelines open for the public to decide which two will face off in the final showdown. The results can be see at 9.45pm

  • Season 5 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    Dermot O'Leary presents big band night, traditionally a real test for the hopefuls as they sing a swing classic accompanied by a full live orchestra. The remaining 10 acts will have to raise their game as they perform for those all-important viewers' votes while also impressing judges Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh, who as ever will decide the fate of the two acts with the fewest votes. The results can be seen at 10.10pm

  • Season 5 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    The second live studio round sees the hopefuls performing songs by Michael Jackson, and tensions are bound to be high after last week's first vote-off. The decision as to who will be in the sing-off in the second show is down to the viewers, but the singers will still be out to impress the judges, as they're the ones who ultimately decide who will stay and who will go. Dermot O'Leary presents. The results can be seen at 10.10pm

  • Season 5 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    After weeks of auditions, two days of boot camp and make-or-break performances at the judges' houses, the final 12 acts have been chosen. Now they perform live on TV in the first of the studio rounds, desperate to follow in the footsteps of previous winners Leona Lewis and Leon Jackson. Judges and mentors Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue will be , with for the first time and here they performn live forhe final 12 contestants sing for viewers' votes in the first of the live studio rounds of the competition. Judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue mentor . Presented by Dermot O'Leary

  • Season 5 Episode 10: EPISODE: 10

    With the hopefuls having done all they can, judges-cum-mentors Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue now face the difficult task of telling the remaining acts in their categories which of them have earned a place in the final 12 - and which are heading home disappointed. Dermot O'Leary then follows the winners and losers as they break the news to their families

  • Season 5 Episode 9: EPISODE: 9

    Dermot O'Leary presents the first of two programmes in which the judges invite the remaining 24 acts to their homes - in Barbados, Cannes, St Tropez and Ireland - to make their final selections. They're each joined by a celebrity expert - for Cheryl has called on Girls Aloud bandmate Kimberley Walsh, for Simon it's Sinitta, Dannii is assisted by Emma Bunton and Louis has Westlife's Shane Filan. These are the eight the remaining hopefuls need to impress if they're to make it through to next week's live studio rounds.

  • Season 5 Episode 8: EPISODE: 8

    Another chance to see last week's second boot camp show, ahead of this weekend's double bill to choose the final 12. The hopefuls continue their attempts to impress as the judges sort out the wheat from the chaff, deciding which of them will be invited to their house for one-to-one tuition. It's also crunch time for the judges themselves, as they discover which of the categories they will be mentoring through the rest of the competition

  • Season 5 Episode 7: EPISODE: 7

    The first of two programmes in which the successful contestants from the last six weeks of auditions enter the boot-camp stage of the contest held at London's O2 arena. Judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue set the hopefuls a series of challenges to put them through their paces as the singers move another step closer to the live stages and a recording contract.

  • Season 5 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    In the final leg of the audition process, judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole take a whistlestop tour of the five venues to recall the best and worst contestants out of the 182,000 people who applied to be on the show

  • Season 5 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    Cardiff is the next port of call as Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh choose more acts for the boot camp stage. Hopes will be high for the auditionees in Wales, keen to follow in the footsteps of their countryman and last year's runner-up Rhydian. Dermot O'Leary is on hand to congratulate the successful contestants and commiserate with the ones sent home disappointed

  • Season 5 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    Scotland is the next port of call as Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh choose more acts for the boot camp stage. Hopes will be high for the auditionees in Glasgow, keen to follow in the footsteps of their countryman and last year's winner Leon Jackson. Dermot O'Leary is on hand to congratulate the successful contestants and commiserate with the ones sent packing

  • Season 5 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue audition another bunch of would-be chart stars, from genuine hopefuls to the completely hopeless. Highlights include a 43-year-old pizza-delivery man who claims he can be bigger than Michael Jackson, this year's oldest entrant and a blast from the past for the judges as a former auditionee returns, aiming to prove she now has what it takes

  • Season 5 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    The audition tour continues in Birmingham, with Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Cheryl Cole making or breaking the dreams of another batch of aspiring pop stars. Presenter Dermot O'Leary offers the hopefuls words of support and provides a shoulder to cry on for those who fail to meet the judges' exacting standards

  • Season 5 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    Dermot O'Leary returns with a new series of the singing competition, with Cheryl Cole taking Sharon Osbourne's place on the judging panel alongside Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue, who mentored last year's series winner Leon Jackson. Again, each judge will be looking after one of the four categories - Boys, Girls, 25s and Over, and Groups - but first up are the fun-packed audition shows

The X Factor: Season 4

  • Season 4 Episode 18: EPISODE: 18

    The remaining contestants take the stage to compete for a place in next week's grand final, singing two songs by classic British artists. Having seen the 12 acts who qualified for the live stage whittled down to just four, judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue will be keen to stick up for their favourite performers - but this week they are entirely at the mercy of the public vote. Dermot O'Leary presents.

  • Season 4 Episode 17: EPISODE: 17

    The five acts are all performing two tracks - one upbeat and one ballad - to really test their range of performance. The judges will then pass their comments before it is left to the audience at home to decide who stays and who is going to be in the sing-off as host Dermot O'Leary opens the phone lines for the viewers to pick their favourite. The results are at 9.10

  • Season 4 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    It's week six of the award-winning talent show and there are six acts left, all singing Motown songs, and all vying for the chance to follow previous winners Leona Lewis and Shayne Ward to the top of the charts. As ever, they'll each perform a song on a common theme, and the judges will no doubt engage in a few little catfights - perhaps even water fights - while passing on their comments. But then it's over to the audience, as host Dermot O'Leary opens the phone lines for the viewers to pick their favourite. The results are at 8.40pm

  • Season 4 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    The final 10 contestants battle it out in the talent contest for a place in the next round, with celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne

  • Season 4 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    Dermot O'Leary hosts the third live studio round, which sees the remaining would-be chart stars singing for survival once more - all performing songs, both modern and classic, in a big band style. The judges will deliver their views on each of the acts before the public vote settles on two candidates for an early exit. The results are at 9.10

  • Season 4 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    Dermot O'Leary hosts the second live studio round, which sees the would-be chart stars singing for survival once more - all performing songs from the movies. They're aided in their task by Celine Dion, who gives them a masterclass aimed at improving their performances - and the good news for Sharon's remaining two acts is that Mrs Osbourne is back following her walkout last week. The result is at 8.30pm

  • Season 4 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    The final 12 contestants sing for viewers' votes in the first of the live studio rounds of the competition. Judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Dannii Minogue mentor the groups, girls, over 25s and boys respectively. Presented by Dermot O'Leary. The result show follows the rugby World Cup final

  • Season 4 Episode 10: EPISODE: 10

    Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh have the tough decision of which three of their six category finalists will form the 12 who go through to the live final. Witness the reactions as they find out who are winners and who are losers then, travel home to see the reaction of the families when they hear the news. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 4 Episode 9: EPISODE: 9

    Dermot O'Leary presents the first of two programmes in which the judges invite the remaining 24 acts to their homes - in Los Angeles, Dublin, Ibiza and Marbella - to make their final selections. There, the contestants will have one last chance to impress their mentors, hoping they can do enough to be chosen for the live studio rounds and a shot at the £1million recording contract. The second programme, in which the final 12 are chosen, can be seen tomorrow at 6.45pm

  • Season 4 Episode 8: EPISODE: 8

    The hopefuls continue in their attempts to impress as the judges sort out the wheat from the chaff, deciding which of the hopefuls will be invited to their homes next week for one-to-one tuition. It's also decision time for the judges themselves, as they finally discover which of the groups they'll be mentoring through the rest of the competition

  • Season 4 Episode 7: EPISODE: 7

    The first of two programmes this week in which the successful contestants from the last six weeks of auditions enter the boot-camp stage of the contest. Judges Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue and Simon Cowell set the groups a series of challenges to put them through their paces.

  • Season 4 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    Looking for Britain's next singing sensation, judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue take their last trip around the UK for the final round of auditions before boot camp. Contestants' ages range from 14 upwards, and they can appear as solo artists or groups. Dermot O'Leary presents

  • Season 4 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    Dermot O'Leary presents the final round of auditions, as the last lot of talented, talentless and downright delusional would-be stars sing for a place at boot camp. It's also decision time for Simon Cowell and his fellow judges, as they discover which category they'll be mentoring for the rest of the competition

  • Season 4 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    Dermot O'Leary presents the penultimate round of auditions from Manchester, Birmingham and Belfast, where judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue pick another bunch of would-be chart stars to make it through to the boot camp stage

  • Season 4 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue prepare to make or break the dreams of another batch of wannabe pop stars as the auditions reach Manchester, Cardiff and Birmingham. Presenter Dermot O'Leary gives the hopefuls words of encouragement and offers a shoulder to cry on for those whose efforts fail to impress the tough-talking judges

  • Season 4 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    The audition tour reaches Birmingham and Cardiff, where Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Sharon Osbourne and Dannii Minogue prepare to make or break the dreams of another batch of aspiring pop stars. Presenter Dermot O'Leary offers the hopefuls words of support and provides a shoulder to cry on for those who fail to meet the judges' exacting standards

  • Season 4 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    The award-winning talent show returns for a new series, but there are a few changes in store. Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh - sensationally sacked from the show then reinstated earlier this year - are joined by a fourth judge, Dannii Minogue. Choreographer to the stars Brian Friedman joins as creative director, who will help the finalists put together their performances for the live shows, and holding it all together is new host Dermot O'Leary. The age to enter has also been lowered to 14, so there are now four categories - Boys (14-24), Girls (14-24), 25s and Over, and Groups - all hankering after that £1million recording contract. But first up, as usual, are the audition shows, including the story of Louis's return

The X Factor: Season 3

  • Season 3 Episode 20: EPISODE: 20

    The two contestants make a last-minute bid for viewers' votes by performing Kelly Clarkson's A Moment Like This, which the winner will release as a single in the hope of achieving the Christmas Number One spot. As always, straight-talking judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their verdicts, before Kate Thornton reveals who will take Shayne Ward's crown as winner of the competition

  • Season 3 Episode 19: EPISODE: 19

    The remaining contestants take the stage to compete for a place in next week's grand final. Having seen the 12 acts who qualified for the live stage of the show whittled down to just three, judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne will be keen to stick up for their favourite performers - who are entirely at the mercy of the public vote. Kate Thornton presents, and will return with the results programme after Extinct

  • Season 3 Episode 18: EPISODE: 18

    Barry Manilow gives the four remaining acts his performance tips as they take the stage to vie for a place in next week's semi-final. With the competition nearing crunch time, judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne will each be hoping their acts have heeded the veteran singer's advice - and can earn enough viewers' votes to stay in the running. Kate Thornton will reveal the results after All Star Family Fortunes

  • Season 3 Episode 17: EPISODE: 17

    The competition intensifies as the five remaining acts sing songs from the movies - and tonight, they'll each be giving two performances. Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their verdicts and, with their sights set firmly on the grand final, they are unlikely to pull any punches. Kate Thornton offers her support and returns with the results programme after All Star Family Fortunes

  • Season 3 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    The six remaining acts take to the stage and sing live in the hope of winning enough viewers' votes to make it through to next week's show. Kate Thornton hosts, while straight-talking judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their verdicts on the performances. The result can be seen after All Star Family Fortunes

  • Season 3 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    The seven remaining acts prepare to sing love songs in a bid to impress the judges - and earn enough viewers' votes to stay in the contest. Having lost his first contestant in Ashley last week, Simon Cowell will be hoping guest coach Julio Iglesias can steer Ray, Leona and Nikitta to victory, while Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne aim to keep their hopefuls from the bottom two. The result can be seen after All Star Family Fortunes

  • Season 3 Episode 14: EPISODE: 14

    The eight remaining contenders take to the stage and sing Abba songs in the hope of winning viewers' votes. Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne will be hoping special guest Bjorn Ulvaeus can improve their contestants' chances of making the grade, while Kate Thornton offers the acts words of encouragement

  • Season 3 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    Tony Bennett offers the acts his advice as they prepare to take to the stage and sing their versions of Rat Pack classics in the hope of winning viewers' votes. Louis Walsh has already lost two of his acts, so he'll be hoping Eton Road and the MacDonald Brothers pull out all the stops tonight. The two contestants with the least public support will battle it out for a reprieve from the judges after Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

  • Season 3 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    Rod Stewart gives a few words of encouragement to the remaining contestants before they perform live once more. Last week Louis lost his first act as the Unconventionals proved they were just a little too unconventional for the British public's taste - which act will be following in their footsteps tonight? The two with the fewest votes will battle it out for a reprieve after Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

  • Season 3 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    The acts who made it through the Judges' Homes stage of the contest perform in the first live show of the series, each hoping to win their mentor's approval - and the all-important viewers' votes. Simon Cowell takes care of the 16 to 24s, Louis Walsh hopes to repeat his success with Shayne Ward by making a winner of one of the groups and Sharon Osbourne aims for her first victory with the 25 and overs. The results can be seen after Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway

  • Season 3 Episode 10: EPISODE: 10

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne decide which of the eight acts in their categories have earned a place among the final 12 contestants who will perform in the live shows. The hopefuls face an agonising wait as they travel back from the judges' homes to hear the news - and reveal their fate to family and friends. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 3 Episode 9: EPISODE: 9

    The judges put the acts in their categories under the spotlight to decide who deserves to stay in the contest as one of the 12 finalists. The hopefuls are invited to Simon Cowell's Miami home, Louis Walsh's castle retreat in Dromoland and Sharon Osbourne's Dorchester Hotel suite, where they must complete one final task before the live shows commence. Hosted by Kate Thornton.

  • Season 3 Episode 8: EPISODE: 8

    The hopefuls continue to try and impress their mentors as they perform a series of gruelling tasks on the second day of boot camp. The judge for each category decides who to take through to the next round of the competition - and reveal their decision at the end of the programme

  • Season 3 Episode 7: EPISODE: 7

    The successful contestants from the last six weeks of auditions enter the boot-camp stage of the contest. Mentors Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and Simon Cowell set their groups a series of challenges to put them through their paces

  • Season 3 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    The audition process comes to an end as Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne make or break the dreams of the final batch of wannabes eager to reach the boot-camp stage of the contest. Kate Thornton offers words of support to hopefuls in Birmingham and London. Plus, the judges learn which group of contestants they will be mentoring for the remainder of the competition

  • Season 3 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne make or break the dreams of another batch of hopefuls eager to make the grade and reach the boot-camp stage of the talent search. Presenter Kate Thornton offers words of encouragement to contestants in Birmingham, Dublin and Glasgow - and provides a shoulder to cry on for those who fail to impress the judges

  • Season 3 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    Guest judge Paula Abdul causes sparks to fly as she joins Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne in London. The regulars continue to argue among themselves as they select candidates from auditions in Leeds and Manchester. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 3 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    Celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne argue among themselves as they select candidates from auditions in Glasgow and Birmingham. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 3 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    The talent contest auditions in Bristol, Manchester and Leeds, with celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 3 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    New series of the talent contest. Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne are joined by a surprise guest as they visit London and Manchester to audition hopefuls eager to emulate the success of last season's winner Shayne Ward. Among the 100,000 applicants taking part this year are singing fork-lift truck drivers, dancing landscape gardeners and a Madonna wannabe. Kate Thornton offers the contestants support

The X Factor: Season 2

  • Season 2 Episode 20: EPISODE: 20

    After 19 weeks of hilarious auditions, nail-biting boot camps and a series of studio shows that have seen the last 12 hopefuls whittled down to just three, Kate Thornton presents the climax of the talent show. Andy, Shayne and Journey South will no doubt be pulling out all the stops in a bid to win a recording contract - and there'll certainly be no rest for the winner, as their single is being rush released into shops next week in a bid to bag the coveted Christmas number one. It's also to be hoped that this year's victor has more luck than last year's, Steve Brookstein, whose career was eclipsed by runners-up G4. Judges and mentors Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will of course be giving their verdict on the final performances, knowing full well that the decision as to who wins is for once out of their hands

  • Season 2 Episode 19: EPISODE: 19

    Andy, Brenda, Journey South and Shayne perform live in the studio - but only three can go through to next week's final, meaning everything rests on their performances tonight. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 2 Episode 18: EPISODE: 18

    Andy, Brenda, Chico, Journey South and Shayne perform once more, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their opinions before viewers vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 2 Episode 17: EPISODE: 17

    The six remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. As usual, the judges give their opinions before viewers vote on who stays in the competition - although it remains to be seen whether Shayne's mentor Louis Walsh will be taking part, following reports that he's quit the show. Kate Thornton presents and the results can be seen at 8.50

  • Season 2 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    The seven remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their opinions before viewers vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents and the results can be seen at 9.00

  • Season 2 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    The eight remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their opinions before viewers vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents and the results can be seen at 9.15

  • Season 2 Episode 14: EPISODE: 14

    The nine remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne give their opinions before viewers vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents and the results can be seen at 9.10

  • Season 2 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    The 10 remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne keep tabs on their efforts, and viewers again have an opportunity to vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 2 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    The 11 remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne keep tabs on their efforts, and viewers again have an opportunity to vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents and the results can be seen at 9.05

  • Season 2 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    They've passed the auditions, got through the rigours of the boot camp and even had a holiday of sorts at their mentors' expense while waiting to discover if they're in. Now, the final 12 acts show what they're really made of as the live studio knockout rounds begin. Kate Thornton presents, and the judges give their verdict on the performances, but the decision as to who'll be first to leave lies with the voting public

  • Season 2 Episode 10: EPISODE: 10

    The moment of truth finally arrives as the 21 hopefuls discover whether or not they will be among the 12 acts selected to perform in the live studio rounds, which begin next week. Kate Thornton congratulates the winners and commiserates with the losers, as they all travel home to their families to reveal how they've fared

  • Season 2 Episode 9: EPISODE: 9

    Following the tough regime of the boot camps, the judges now invite the remaining 21 acts to their own homes. There, each set of hopefuls must complete one final task to make it into the live studio rounds. Sharon's 25s and over are at her Hollywood home, Louis's 16 to 24s are in Dublin and Simon's groups are at his luxury house in Spain, but there'll be no time for relaxing as they pull out all the stops in a bid to become the chosen ones.

  • Season 2 Episode 8: EPISODE: 8

    The second of two programme tonight sees the last day of the boot camp. By the end of the show, there will only be 21 acts remaining - seven in each group. These lucky ones will then be invited to their mentors' homes next week for one-to-one tuition and a chance to reach the final 12. Presented by Kate Thornton

  • Season 2 Episode 7: EPISODE: 7

    With the auditions out of the way, Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne host the first of two day-long boot camps. First up are the introductions, as the 50-plus acts in each division discover which of the judges is to be their mentor. Then begins the serious task of testing them, with the singers put through group performances designed to sort the wheat from the chaff.

  • Season 2 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne sound out the last batch of wannabes in the final auditions. One of the singers is a lady called Madonna, although whether she has her namesake's talent remains to be seen. The experts then discover which division they will mentor in the rest of the competition - 16 to 24, 25 and over, or groups. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 2 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    London, Edinburgh and Manchester are the venues for the penultimate audition show. Highlights include Sharon meeting her number one fan and getting a marriage proposal, and the judges contending with a band of Elvis lookalikes

  • Season 2 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    More star-struck hopefuls take their turn to audition in front of celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne, hoping to get an enthusiastic thumbs up instead of a scathing put-down. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 2 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    Celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne continue their search for a singing sensation in Cardiff and Manchester, as another batch of hopefuls bid for a place in the next round and a crack at the £1million recording contract that awaits the winner. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 2 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    The contest continues as the auditions reach Birmingham and Newcastle, with celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne putting their heads together to sort the wheat from the chaff, and sending the best of the talent through to the next round. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 2 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne return for a new series of the talent show, in which they compete with one another to find the UK's newest singing sensation from a selection of 75,000 hopefuls. The contest kicks off with highlights of the auditions at Manchester, Wembley and Stamford Bridge, as the trio put their heads together to sort the wheat from the chaff, sending the best through to the next round. Hosted by Kate Thornton

The X Factor: Season 1

  • Season 1 Episode 16: EPISODE: 16

    After 15 weeks of hilarious auditions, boot camps and a series of studio shows which have seen the final nine whittled down to just two, Kate Thornton presents the climax of the talent show. G4 and Steve are the last two acts standing, following the surprise departure of bookies' favourite Tabby last week, and both will be pulling out all the stops to make sure they go home with a recording contract. Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh watch the nail-biting final performances, knowing the decision is out of their hands

  • Season 1 Episode 15: EPISODE: 15

    It's back to a level playing field this week as all three judges have only one act left. However, only two can go through to next week's final, and Steve, Tabby and G4 will be well aware that everything rests on their performances tonight. Hosted by Kate Thornton, with judges Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh

  • Season 1 Episode 14: EPISODE: 14

    The four remaining finalists perform live in the studio before the viewers cast their vote. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 13: EPISODE: 13

    Kate Thornton hosts as the five remaining acts battle it out for the chance to make it to the next round - with the viewers' vote and the judges' critical decision standing in their way. With Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne

  • Season 1 Episode 12: EPISODE: 12

    The six remaining finalists perform, vying for the chance to win a recording contract. Mentors Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne keep tabs on their efforts, and viewers again have an opportunity to vote on who stays in the competition. Kate Thornton presents

  • Season 1 Episode 11: EPISODE: 11

    Celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne put their reputations on the line once more as the seven remaining finalists try to impress the public. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 9: EPISODE: 9

    The talent contest enters a new phase as the surviving nine acts, whittled down from 50,000 initial applicants, perform live in the studio, hoping to impress the voting public and win the chance to perform again next week. Resident judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne will be on hand with their comments, no doubt hoping their own personally chosen entrants will come up trumps. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 8: EPISODE: 8

    Judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne welcome the remaining contestants into their homes, where they set one final challenge. The hopes and dreams of the final 15 acts are on the line, as only nine can go through to the next round - when the public decide. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 7: EPISODE: 7

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne continue with the intensive 'boot camp' approach, aiming to select their five favourite performers or groups to go forward into the next round - which takes place in the judges' own homes

  • Season 1 Episode 6: EPISODE: 6

    Celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne get tough by taking a category each and whittling the finalists down with the help of their own personally chosen experts. Inviting the hopefuls along to a 'boot camp', they aim to have just 15 left for the next round. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 5: EPISODE: 5

    The auditions continue, with judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne giving their honest opinions on the singing hopefuls vying for a shot at the big time. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 4: EPISODE: 4

    Kate Thornton presents as Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne continue the auditions to find the next big thing in British pop

  • Season 1 Episode 3: EPISODE: 3

    No-nonsense judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne audition more singing hopefuls aiming for a shot at the big time, leaving some deliriously happy and others in floods of tears. Host Kate Thornton shares in the contestants' joy or disappointment

  • Season 1 Episode 2: EPISODE: 2

    The contest continues with highlights of the auditions stage, as celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne put their heads together to sort the wheat from the chaff, sending the best of the talent through to the next round. Hosted by Kate Thornton

  • Season 1 Episode 1: EPISODE: 1

    Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne put their necks on the block by competing with one another to find the UK's newest singing sensation. The trio will sit through auditions, with acts falling into three categories - 16-25 solo, over 25 solo, and groups. From the initial 50,000 applicants, just 120 will make it into the next round, an intensive two-day boot camp. There, the judges are each assigned 40 performers to mentor and mould, with the winning act ultimately chosen by the public. Hosted by Kate Thornton

The X Factor: Special (2004)

  • Best and Worst Auditions
  • Best and Worst Auditions II
  • Losing It

    The best moments of the reality TV show, including the most memorable auditions and how some hopefuls lost in the final stages of the competition

  • X Factor Extra

    A chance to see all the best bits from last week's show

  • The X Factor: One Year On

    One-off programme charting the lives of contestants from last year's series. Some, including Shayne Ward and Chico, have achieved chart success, while others have followed different paths. Brenda Edwards has taken to the stage in Chicago, the Conway Sisters have split and Addictiv Ladies are concentrating on their studies. Plus, the auditionees who failed to make the grade - but still found fame