Sharon Osbourne X Factor Return Confirmed!

Sharon Osbourne has been confirmed to replace Tulisa on The X Factor judging panel.

Following the N-Dubz star's exit from the hit ITV show, Shazza - who was an original member of the panel - is set to take her seat alongside returning judges Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Nicole Scherzinger.

Speaking of outspoken Osbourne's return, Simon Cowell stated: "Three words I never thought I'd say.... Welcome back Sharon!"

Osbourne said of her comeback: "I couldn’t be happier about coming back for the 10th anniversary of X Factor. I can’t wait to give Gary Barlow a big hug, sit next to the gorgeous Nicole, and of course throw water on dear Louis. Yay!”

Her pal Louis added: "I'm back with a vengeance! Ten years on and I'm just as thrilled to be involved in the best show on TV and even more delighted to be re-united with original judge Sharon Osbourne. Let the fun and games commence!”

Gary said: "It's great to be back for the 10-year anniversary of X Factor and my third year with the show. This year is looking to be our best yet!

"To have a winner like James Arthur last year was a big game changer; I really hope that his authenticity and credibility will attract acts of a similar talent this series and I'm very excited about that.”

Reigning champion Nicole claimed: "I had so much fun and such a great experience on the show last year – it far exceeded all my expectations! I always give 110% to all I do and I put everything else on hold to focus on X Factor and supporting my Scherzy boys.

"This year, now that I’ve worked out doing my new music and the show together, I am so excited to get back to the UK, my second home, and get stuck into X Factor 2013!”

Host Dermot O’Leary concluded: “We’ve got a great line-up this year, and Mrs O is always a riot and a brilliant mentor, it should be fun.”

As well as the return of Sharon, hopefuls will - for the first time ever - have to tackle two sets of auditions.  First, they will face the judges face-to-face in an intimate audition room.
 
Then, if they get through, contestants will have to prove they can also impress an audience before securing a coveted place at the next stage in the competition.

The judges’ auditions will start on June 4 in Glasgow before visiting Birmingham, Manchester, London and Cardiff. This will be followed by the second stage of judges’ arena auditions in July.

We can't wait!

SEE PICS FROM THE X FACTOR 2012 FINAL HERE!

SEE PICS FROM THE X FACTOR LIVE TOUR