The X Factor series ten kicks off... and the contestants are crazier than ever

Let the circus begin! The X Factor series ten kicks off... and the contestants are crazier than ever

By JASON CHESTER

PUBLISHED: 00:04, 31 August 2013 | UPDATED: 00:04, 31 August 2013

The X Factor returns for a tenth series on Saturday evening, and as we’ve come to expect from previous shows the opening episode will be filled with the usual assortment of talented, talentless and frankly comical.

With the audition process reverting to its original accapella format, hopefuls will be performing in a more intimate, but no less intimidating environment for judges Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger and the returning Sharon Osbourne.

This time round it’s the prerequisite three yes’s that see them through to a further audition in front of a live and often merciless audience. 

Dis-MAYed: Brian May lookalike Fil Henley does his best to impress the judges on Saturday evening

Hopeful: Fil, a 30-year-old guitar teacher who still lives with his parents, performs Let me Entertain You by Robbie Williams

Saturday’s show will see 36-year-old mother-of-two Sam Bailey, a Leicester based prison officer, reduced to tears after winning praise for her rendition of Beyonce’s Listen, with former Pussycat Doll Nicole telling her: ‘That’s exactly how that song is supposed to be sung.’

Elsewhere there are laughs when Brian May lookalike Fil Henley, a 30-year-old guitar teacher who still lives with his parents, makes an appearance with a round of sandwiches prepared by his mother.

Following a unique performance of Robbie Williams’ Let Me Entertain You he gets an appraisal from Sharon, who describes his eighties mullet as ‘business at the front, party at the back.’

Good fun: Welsh fitness instructor Jan is joined onstage by Nicole Scherzinger during her audition

Impressive: Prison officer Sam Bailey (left) and J Star Valentine do their best to win the judges over on Saturday 

Double trouble: Duo Silver Rock take their place in front of the judges with a rendition of End of Time by Beyonce

Other hopefuls include J Star Valentine, a 19-year old student from London who performs Hallelujah, the debut single chosen for 2008 X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.

Elsewhere there are memorable auditions from outlandish 35-year-old waiter Christian Grigore Spiridon, who performs Kylie Minogue hit Can’t You Out of my Head and Welsh fitness instructor Jan - who is joned onstage by Nicole after making an appearance in her gym clothes.

Other hopefuls include 17-year-old student Alejandro Fernandez-Holt, who offers a rendition of Perfect by Pink, and Greggs bakery assistant Hannah, who sings Read All About It by Emeli Sande. 

Amongst the groups are London based duo Silver Rock, who perform a version of Beyonce’s End of Time. 

Praying for a yes: Alejandro looks desperate during his audition on Saturday night

Original judge Sharon Osbourne’s return to the show follows a decline in ratings over the last two series,’ but the 60-year-old insists there is no pressure.

‘You know it’s not my thing… the ratings… I don’t care,’ she said at the press launch in London on Thursday. ‘It’s whether the show is good and the show is great! And that’s what it’s all about.’

The X Factor returns on Saturday September 31 on ITV1 at 8:00pm. 

Praying for a chance: Singer Hannah is desperate to get through to the next round

Outlandish: Cristian Grigore Spiridon auditions in a pair of red underpants, while Sam opts for something a bit more conventional 

Off the wall: Fitness instructor Jan auditions on Saturday night

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2407351/X-Factor-2013-kicks--contestants-crazier-ever.html#ixzz2dZcTXcEF
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Countdown to Strictly: Rachel Riley joins Strictly Come Dancing line-up

Countdown to Strictly: 

Rachel Riley joins our line-up

BBC StrictlyVerified account‏@bbcstrictly

Welcome the lovely @RachelRileyRR to Strictly! Our next consonant... sorry contestant on the show! #scd3013

Countdown presenter, Rachel Riley, is the third celebrity to be revealed in this year’s Strictly line-up. In a special contestant conundrum Rachel’s announcement was revealed in the following clip where she is seen on set turning round the iconic Countdown letters to spell out “I AM ON STRICTLY.”
Rachel came to prominence after replacing Carol Vorderman as the resident mathematician and gatekeeper of letters on the well-loved show. She has now recorded over 1,000 episodes and has won the hearts of the audience in the process.  We’re sure she’ll be keeping particularly close attention to the Strictly scoreboard as there’ll be no pulling the sparkly satin over her eyes!
Here’s an exclusive behind-the-scenes photo of Rachel looking fabulous in her costume.

Rachel joins broadcaster Vanessa Feltz and golf pro Tony Jacklin in the line-up. Keep your eyes peeled as we’ll be making more announcements until Monday evening when the full line up is announced on The One Show at 7pm.
We also have a behind the scenes Red Carpet exclusive available for you to watch on Red Button and iPlayer on Wednesday.
The 20 minute programme will be presented by Strictly 2012 contestant Lisa Riley, who'll bring all the glitz and glamour of the Hollywood-style red carpet to life. Viewers will get to see all the celebrity contestants of 2013 interviewed for the first time before the launch show on Saturday 7^th September at 6.50pm. Get the date in your diary!

EXCLUSIVE: Alexandra Burke debuts six new songs on MailOnline available to download for free for her fans

By KIMBERLEY DADDS and JENNIFER RUBY

PUBLISHED: 11:51, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 13:19, 30 August 2013

It can be difficult to find a way for artists to say thank you to their fans for helping get them to where they are.

But Alexandra Burke has found a pretty novel way - she has offered a free downloadable EP of six new tracks exclusively to the MailOnline today.

The songs from EP #NewRules can be downloaded here and is a thank you to the fans who have helped make Alexandra one of the most successful British female artists of the last five years.

Special treat! Alexandra Burke has exclusively given MailOnline six tracks of new material from her EP #NewRules, downloadable from the link above

The 25-year-old former X Factor star has released the tracks ahead of her third studio album, which is due next year.

#NewRules begins with the rnb-infused Seduce You, featuring an electrifying guest rap from Wretch 32. 

When we first hear Alexandra, it’s clear she’s a more mature and confident vocalist than ever before, confident enough, in fact, to address incredibly personal issues in her lyrics. 

MailOnline EXCLUSIVE preview: Alexandra Burke 'Day Dreams'

New music: New Rules is sure to whet appetites ahead of her third studio album, which is due next year.

NEW RULES TRACKLISTING

• Leave A Message
• Fix You
• Day Dream
• Seduce You (ft. Wretch 32)
• Bounty Hunter
• Try

On Day Dreams, she talks of her relationship with ex boyfriend Jermain Defoe, the subject of much tabloid gossip when it ended last year.

Throughout the EP, there is a new emphasis on the voice that won one of the highest rating series of The X Factor ever. 

Try is a soulful, string-laden ballad, while Alexandra brings her own emotive power to her interpretation of Coldplay’s Fix You. 

Bounty Hunter meanwhile sees a confident nod to Alex’s Jamaican roots.
The EP, which has been exclusively given to download on MailOnline 48 hours prior to its general release, promises to showcase Alexandra's 'sleeker, more sophisticated' sound.

Birthday girl: On Thursday night Alexandra Burke headed out to a nightclub in London looking peachy as she celebrated her 25th birthday

Night out: Alexandra was joined by friends as she partied at Rise Nightclub in her cute frock

MailOnline EXCLUSIVE preview: Alexandra Burke 'Fix You'

The 24-year-old, who spent much of 2012 trying to launch her career across the pond in the US, is releasing the brand new music as a 'thank you' to the fans who have stuck by her since her X Factor win five years ago. 

While Alexandra became known for her catchy pop and R&B songs at the start of her career, she is set to showcase a different set of singing skills later this year as she takes on Lady Sings The Blues in a series of concerts.

Originally scheduled to happen in June, the singer reportedly pushed back the shows due to an 'overwhelming demand' for tickets.

Alexandra was at V Festival earlier this month to catch other people's music, but didn't miss out on the limelight as she celebrated her birthday in the Virgin Media Louder Lounge.

She was presented with a colourful five-tiered cake in front of family and friends as she partied in an unusual kimono-style yellow top.

Career comeback: After signing with a new management company, Alexandra is gearing up for a new sound

The star admitted that she had already offered her congratulations to Simon Cowell after it was revealed that he is expecting his first child.

'I wasn't shocked,' she told Heat. 'I think he'll be a stern father. He's going to make a great dad. And I sent my love via Twitter.'

But despite her joy for Simon, romance seems to be the furthest thing from Alexandra's mind as she admitted that she's putting all her energies into her music.

'Music is my main priority right now,' she said. 'Don’t get me wrong – if love wants to come along that’s OK. But I’m not looking for love. I don’t have time to.'

Alexandra was again out celebrating her birthday on Thursday night as she headed out to London nightclub Rise, where she was joined by JLS' Aston Merrygold.

She stunned for the outing in a peach halterneck frock with matching heels.

For the fans: Alexandra had admitted that the new EP is for the people who have supported her over the years

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2406655/Alexandra-Burke-debuts-new-songs-MailOnline-available-download-free-fans.html#ixzz2dTh9TdwM
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Modern Family star Ariel Winter, 15, celebrates as she earns her driver's permit

'I'm a safe driving nerd YAY!' Modern Family star Ariel Winter, 15, celebrates as she earns her driver's permit

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

PUBLISHED: 00:27, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 02:25, 30 August 2013

It's a moment she will always remember.

Modern Family star Ariel Winter received her driver's permit on Thursday - and immediately took to Instagram to share the good news with fans.

Dressed in a casual grey T-shirt, her makeup perfectly applied and with her hair blown out beautifully, the actress posted a selfie holding up her official California driver's permit, which is awarded by the state to qualifying 15 1/2 year olds.

Behind the wheel: Modern Family actress Ariel Winter received her driver's permit in CA on Thursday

The actress could barely contain her excitement in her photo caption: 'I PASSED. I PASSED. I PASSED I PASSED I PASSED! I am now a permitted driver … be scared. Actually don't be … I'm a safe driving nerd YAY!'

Ariel will be eligible to receive her driver's license when she turns 16 on January 28.

It's nice to see the teen star receiving some good news for a change. Her career is on a high with the success of Modern Family, but her personal life has been in tatters for the past year. In November she left her mother Chrystal Workman's L.A. house under court order after Ariel reportedly complained of 'emotional abuse.'

Growing up so fast: The 15-year-old with her Modern Family costar Aubrey Anderson-Emmons (left) and with her sister Shanelle Gray (right)

The star then started living with her sister, Shanelle Gray, who continues to serve as Ariel's guardian.

In July Ariel's mother tried to re-gain custody of her daughter, but was denied by a judge, per TMZ. Her mother awaits a custody trial date in September.

To further complicate matters, Ariel's brother Jimmy Workman filed documents on August 15 seeking custody of the actress.

The drama has not slowed down the popular actress. She's had a packed worked schedule for the past few years and shows no signs of putting the brakes on her career. In addition to her role as Alex Dunphy on Modern Family, she's been doing the voice of Sofia on the hit Disney animated TV series Sofia the First.

Ariel has also found time to make movies. She just finished the '70s-era drama Truck Stop with Evan Peters and she is currently doing a voice opposite Stanley Tucci in the animated feature film Mr. Peabody & Sherman.

No longer in the driver's seat: Ariel is estranged from her mother Chrystal Workman, who she hasn't lived with since November

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2406113/Modern-Family-star-Ariel-Winter-15-celebrates-earns-drivers-permit.html#ixzz2dS1sqYth
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

Miley Cyrus displays her breasts in mesh and her derriere in PVC for Notion magazine

Miley Cyrus displays her breasts in mesh and her derriere in PVC for yet another racy photo shoot

By IONA KIRBY

PUBLISHED: 00:11, 30 August 2013 | UPDATED: 08:17, 30 August 2013

Miley Cyrus is on a roll and it seems she really can’t stop – with the risqué behaviour, that is.

The once wholesome Disney star is on a racy streak and judging by her latest photo shoot, isn’t planning on slowing down any time.

Just in case we hadn’t seen enough, the 20-year-old has stripped to some skimpy ensembles to pose for Notion magazine.

She can't stop: Miley Cyrus is flashing the flesh once again, this time in a photo shoot for Notion Magazine

Miley can be seen in skintight white PVC trousers and a matching crop top with the word ‘business’ repeatedly scrawled across it.

For one image, the actress and singer leans forwards, sticking out her derriere which has the letter ‘M’ for Miley printed on it.

The former Hannah Montana star is sporting lots of red lipstick for the shoot and in one photo seductively bites on her finger.

Leaving little to the imagination: The 20-year-old also shows off her derriere and midriff in a white PVC ensemble

Ooh la la: Miley, who wears lashings of red lipstick, seductively bites on her finger for one of the risque shots

Miley can also be seen flashing her breasts in a mesh dress that leaves practically nothing to the imagination while she perches on a stool.

As well as Miley’s cover shoot for Notion magazine, which is out now, the star released some promotional images for her new album Bangerz.

Miley can be seen wearing PVC yet again while grabbing her crotch in one shot and displaying her breasts while holding balloons in another.

Cover girl: The former Disney star graces the cover of the magazine in a pair of knickers and a jumper

The new album is set for release in the U.S. on October 8 and includes Miley's hit single We Can't Stop and her new song Wrecking Ball. 

They are the latest in a long line of attempts from Miley to prove she’s all grown up – which came to a head on Sunday with her almost explicit performance of Blurred Lines at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

The fiancée of Liam Hemsworth was a hot topic, and not for the right reasons, after twerking and grinding up against Robin Thicke and an unfortunate foam finger while dressed in just a nude latex bra and knickers.

On Monday, the Parents Television Council issued a statement in which executives called her performance 'sexually exploitative' and said it 'simply substituted talent with sex.'

That's one way to plug your album: Miley grabs her crotch in a new promotional image for her album

Racy display: In another shot to promote Bangerz, the star holds balloons while flashing her breasts

The performance drew criticism from media commentators, fellow celebrities such as Brooke Shields, who played her mother on Hannah Montana and even the star's friend Kelly Osbourne. 

And according to website Radar Online, friends of Australian actor Liam are worried that Miley’s inappropriate actions will have a negative effect on his flourishing career.  

One unnamed friend told the website: 'Liam really does care about Miley, but her racy new look and sort of ghetto attitude isn’t exactly what he signed up for.'

The source also added: 'It’s not just Liam that Miley is pushing away…his entire team is urging him to part ways with her because she’s nothing but negative for his reputation and career.'

The talk of the town: Miley was a hot topic after her raunchy performance at Sunday's VMAs with Robin Thicke

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2406201/Miley-Cyrus-displays-breasts-mesh-derriere-PVC-racy-photo-shoot.html#ixzz2dRHNZM97
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook