Rita Ora And Nick Grimshaw Confirmed For The X Factor... We Can Hardly Contain Our Excitement!

The worst kept secret in showbiz has finally been confirmed… Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw have joined the X Factor judging panel.

Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will also be returning to the ITV talent show, with Rita and Nick replacing Mel B and Louis Walsh.

Ora is no stranger to being a judge, having appeared as a guest panelist on the XF before and as a coach on rival show The Voice, while producers hope that Grimmy will bring “a new and fresh perspective” to the panel. 

Speaking of her new role, the ‘Poison’ singer - who is rumoured to have signed a £1.5million deal - said: “I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012. 

“This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. It’s the new generation taking over. Booooom"

BBC Radio 1 Breakfast Show host and well-known XF fan Nick added: “I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I'm hugely excited to be joining the show. 

“Music is my job and my passion and I'm really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can't wait for Judges Houses in Oldham!"

He later posted a pic on Instagram of himself, Ora and Cheryl, which was accompanied with the caption: "Here we goooo....can't wait to get started with these two @cherylofficial @ritaora @thexfactoruk and that Simon bloke."

And it seems Chezza and SiCo are thrilled with the new additions, with Mrs Fe-Vez stating: “I haven't been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge. 

“The addition of Rita and Grimmy along with some interesting changes we've made to the format has refocused us to do what we do best, finding talent and making stars. I cannot wait to get started!”

 Cowell added: "It’s taken a while! But I am very happy to be able to confirm our line-up of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun! They all bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion for music to the show.”

“I have a feeling I am in for a bit of a rough time but sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and now, with luck, we hope to find a star.”

The new panel is part of a number of changes to this year’s series, which also include the brand new hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs. 

You can catch Rita and Grimmy in action when the X Factor returns to ITV this autumn!