THE X FACTOR: CELEBRITY has kicked off with a bang and fans are already hooked.
So much so that some are already eager to know how to keep their favourites in. Here’s what we know so far as the judges’ houses round is still underway…
How can you vote for The X Factor: Celebrity?
We don’t have the official details just yet since the live shows haven’t even started yet.
But if the celeb version follows the usual format then fret not you’ll be able to vote to keep your favourites in.
It can be assumed that we will be able to call in and text as with the regular X Factor voting system.
Or of course you can download the app to cast your votes and keep your winning contestant in.
What is The X Factor: Celebrity winner’s prize?
The Sun exclusively revealed that Simon is hoping to transform the fortunes of the star by offering a big money deal with his Syco record label and a shot at the Christmas No1 as a prize.
A source said: “[Simon] decided to put a proper record deal with Syco on the table for the winner — with serious money behind it. It’s a proper competition and they want people who can really sing but who are big personalities too.”
Traditionally, the winner receives a £1million record deal under Syco Music, while their winning single is usually known to land the Christmas Number 1 spot.
However, Ben Haenow in 2014 was the last to get the coveted as ratings decreased.
Who are The X Factor contestants?
Simon Cowell has revamped his hit singing contest, which will now provide a platform for people in the public eye, instead of regular contestants.
This means well-known faces will be taking to the stage in the following categories – Groups, Unders and Overs.
Here is the full X Factor: Celebrity line-up taking part in the music mogul’s newest brainchild:
Megan McKenna
The former Towie star is hoping the programme will give her the big break she has dreamt of.
She released her debut album Story of Me in December 2018 and her debut single High Heeled Shoes hit number one on the iTunes chart in 2017, and peaked at No43 on the UK Singles chart.
Of starring in The X Factor: Celebrity, she said: “This is the biggest opportunity I have ever had in my entire life.”
Megan McKenna, 26, had her own ITVBe show There’s Something About Megan in 2017, which followed her trip to Nashville in a bid to propel her music career.
In 2019 she appeared on Celebs Go Dating.
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale, who played Artie Abrams in Glee, has signed up to appear on the show.
However, he is nervous about taking to the stage and admitted: “The X Factor terrifies me.”
The actor will be a familiar face for judge Nicole Scherzinger, as during his time with boyband NLT he opened for the Pussycat Dolls in 2007.
He released his own solo single 12 years later titled Help Me Now.
Martin Bashir
Martin Bashir is a journalist famed for his interview with the late Princess Diana 24 years ago.
Naturally, he says his involvement in the show is miles different to anything he has done before.
He said: “This is outside of my comfort zone.”
Ricki Lake
Ricki Lake is best known for hosting her own Emmy winning show in the US from 1993 to 2004.
However, this time she will not be taking to the stage to talk but to sing.
Speaking ahead of her appearance on the show, she said: “It’s time for me to prove I’m not just all talk.”
Victoria Ekanoye
Victoria Ekanoye previously appeared in the ITV soap Coronation Street and portrayed Angie Appleton.
But she will be swapping acting for singing as she gives music a go this October.
Despite her success in the nation’s much-loved programme, taking to the mic has always been her main passion.
Speaking about the upcoming venture, Victoria said: “Singing will always be my first love.”
Jonny Labey
The former EastEnders star played Paul Coker in the long-running BBC One show.
Jonny Labey has been tipped as “one to watch” as he trades the streets of Walford in for The X Factor stage.
However, this will not be his first time on a talent competition as two years ago he took part in Dance Dance Dance.
Olivia Olson
Olivia Olson is best known for starring in Love Actually as Joanna but will try her hand at singing to impress the judges.
Since appearing in the classic rom-com she has gone on to star in the children’s programme Phineas and Ferb, as well as Adventure Time.
But instead of lending her voice to animations, Olivia will take centre stage on the talent contest.
Hayley Hasselhoff
Hayley is the daughter of Baywatch actor David Hasselhoff and is hoping her appearance on Celebrity X Factor will be her “big shot” at cracking the music industry.
Speaking in the trailer for the new series the model and actress said: “This is my big shot.”
Hayley has forged an impressive career in the acting and modelling business, and has tried her hand at presenting, but now she is giving singing a go.
Vinnie Jones
Vinnie Jones, who is notorious for playing the “hardman” in films and TV shows, will take to the stage in this year’s The X Factor: Celebrity.
The former footballer has previous singing experience and appeared on Top of the Pops in 2002.
Almost 20 years after appearing in the music show he will show off his skills once again in a bid to be crowned champion.
Jenny Ryan
Jenny Ryan is best known as one of the quiz masters on the ITV gameshow The Chase.
Her intelligence has earned her the nickname The Vixen but can she be just as successful in the talent contest?
She recently proved she was a force in the kitchen when she starred in Celebrity MasterChef.
Now, the master-mind is trying something a little outside of her comfort zone as she will belt out the ballads next month.
She said: “Am I good enough? This is the ultimate test.”
Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis
Sports stars Thom Evans, Ben Foden and Levi Davis have formed a three-piece band – Try Star – for The X Factor: Celebrity.
The hunks have proven they are talented on the pitch but will they be good enough to impress the judges?
Thom has some experience of being on stage as he was part of the band Twen2y4se7en, who supported Peter Andre and Westlife.
Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Natalie and Wendii
Social media influencers Sofia, Alondra, Laura, Natalie and Wendii want to be the next big girl band.
The group, called V5, have 11 million followers combined and will compete against another band, The Islanders.
The Latin American band said: “We’re dreaming big and we’re working hard to get there.”
Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker and Zara McDermott
Love Island 2018 stars Wes Nelson, Samira Mighty, Eyal Booker and Zara McDermott will perform as a group on The X Factor: Celebrity called Love Islanders.
Samira often shows off her vocal skills and incredible dancing ability on her Instagram account.
The foursome hope they change people’s perception of them.
Eyal said: “We want to prove we’re more than just reality stars.”
Max and Harvey
Max and Harvey, who shot to fame on the app musical.ly three years ago, will take to The X Factor: Celebrity stage this October.
The influencers have almost six million followers on the channel, and have since launched their own children’s show Max and Harvey: Fomo.
But will they be the lucky pair who will land a lucrative record deal?
Brendan Cole and Jeremy Edwards
Brendan Cole found fame on Strictly Come Dancing, while Jeremy Edwards has appeared on Hollyoaks and Holby City.
The dancing professional is excited to try a “new challenge” following his departure from the BBC One dance competition.
A source previously told The Sun Online: “For Brendan’s part, he’s excited about the prospect of a new challenge.
“It’s also not lost on him that appearing on a rival channel in a big prime time slot is a bit of a two fingers up at his old bosses at the BBC.”
The duo have chosen the original name – Cole and Edwards.
more on the x factor 2019
When is The X Factor: Celebrity next on?
The X Factor: Celebrity continues on Saturday (October 19).
It is is on at 8.35pm on ITV.
The usual X Factor series would have already begun by now – but was replaced by the BGT: Champions spin-off show.
For all the latest news and updates from tonight’s show, stay tuned with out X Factor: Celebrity live blog.