The X Factor 2018 has returned again with the first round of live auditions kicking off tonight at 8pm on ITV.
This is the 15th series of the long-running talent show and the search is officially on for the UK’s next big musical sensation.
Hopefuls from all around Britain have been auditioning throughout the summer in the hopes of impressing the brand new panel of judges as well as the live audience.
This year sees three new judges join Simon Cowell, all competing to find the winning act.
Simon is joined by the ubiquitous Robbie Williams, who everyone knows from his Take That days and successful solo career.
American actress and Loose Women panellist Ayda Field will also be taking on judging duties alongside her husband Robbie.
Fans of One Direction will be excited to see Louis Tomlinson joining the panel for the first time too.
Here’s what you need to know about Louis Tomlinson.
Who is The X Factor 2018 judge Louis Tomlinson?
Louis is going back to his roots as he prepares to return to The X Factor 2018 tonight.
The 26-year-old singer rose to fame on The X Factor when he auditioned back in 2010 when he was just 18.
Having initially failed to make it through as a solo artist in the Boys category, he was put with five other singers and added to the Groups category.
Along with Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Liam Payne and Harry Styles, the five formed One Direction.
Despite not winning the competition outright, the group came third and went on to achieve international success.
The group have sold over 35 million records worldwide but have been on hiatus since 2016.
Tomlinson has since set up his own record label Triple Springs Ltd.
He also released a number of solo singles, collaborating with other artists such as Steve Aoki and Bebe Rexha.
Speaking to press about his appointment as a judge, Louis said the whole experience has been “surreal”.
“I think it also helps [the contestants] having me there,” he said.
“I don’t think they have ever had anyone on the panel who has auditioned for the show.“
He added: “I feel a duty of care, I want to help people out.”
The X Factor 2018 starts tonight at 8pm on ITV
