We caught up with the judges and presenters of this year’s X Factor to find out all the latest gossip…

Why did you want to become a judge on The X Factor?

Kelly: Everyone has watched The X Factor and everyone has an opinion on the type of artists they like. For me it was about being able to discover new talent, developing the raw talent that steps into the auditions and working hard to steer that person into becoming a real recording artist.

What do you think of your fellow judges?

Kelly: I love Tulisa. We can argue on screen about our acts, but when the cameras are off, we talk about shoes and boys. I would include her as one of my friends now. I was saying to Beyoncé the other day, I am blessed to be working with three people I like. And maybe Gary doesn’t say it quite as nicely as everybody else, but what he says is usually right.

What were you looking for in the contestants this year?

Kelly: A uniqueness. A likeable factor. Heart. Passion. Hunger. Worldwide appeal. There is no reason why the UK X Factor winner can’t make a mark all over the world. Leona Lewis was a great example of that. 

How are you finding the X Factor experience?

Gary: So far, I’ve found judging very interesting. I’d always wondered how the auditions were done so it was fascinating to sit on the panel and be part of them.

Did the auditions take you back to when you started out in the music industry?

Gary: The very young auditionees definitely took me back to when I was starting out in the industry. They would bound on to the stage, full of energy, and it really reminded me of my teenage years! 

What does having the X factor mean to you?

Tulisa: Three simple qualities: talent, likeability and ambition. Someone that stands out from the crowd.

What extra things will you do to make your remaining acts stand out?

Tulisa: It’s a tough one because there are some acts in the competition that are more about personality than the vocal. All I can do is try to bring both out of my acts and make sure they give 100% when it comes to character and expressing themselves on screen.

And what would you sing if you were auditioning for The X Factor?

Tulisa: I’d probably write my own song to show that I was a writer as well as an artist.

This is your eighth series of The X Factor. Did you give any of the new judges advice?

Louis: Of course, I’ve given them all advice. Whether they’ve listened and taken it is another matter! After eight years on the show and being the only surviving original judge, I was expecting to be head judge this year but, on day one, Gary stole my head judge mug and sat in Simon’s old seat!

Are you missing Simon?

Louis: Yes, I do miss the fun with him because we are such good mates, even if I hate to admit it! 

Kitty’s come in for a bit of criticism. How are you finding working with her?

Louis: Kitty is an original and she always delivers. I’ve never met anyone so committed.

How are you feeling about presenting the live final at Wembley Arena?

Dermot: The live final in front of 10,000 people at Wembley each night will be incredible. No nerves for me, I can’t wait. When you’re working on the biggest show on TV you keep the nerves under control. 

How do you prepare for the live shows?

Dermot: We have studio rehearsals on Friday and Saturday then, just before the live shows, I lock myself away and make sure I know where I’m going, what camera I’m facing and what I’m saying, so that when it comes to it you can enjoy it because you’re prepped.

Is it weird being on the show as a presenter rather than as a contestant?

Olly: Definitely. Presenting is not something I’ve done before, so it’s obviously something outside of my comfort zone. But I’m loving being involved with the show again and enjoying every second of it.

Have you got any backstage gossip you can tell us?

Caroline: Olly takes longer to get ready than I do. Kelly goes to the gym at 1am and Louis Walsh is always making everyone laugh. He’s a joy to be around…

The X Factor is on ITV1 at 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.