FIRST LOOK: Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw join Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell as new X Factor panel gets down to business at auditions in Manchester
The new season of the X Factor is officially underway with the new judges all lined up to audition what they hope will be the next big pop star.
The latest additions Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw joined veterans Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell in Manchester on Wednesday for the first day of auditions.
The four judges were joined in the arena by the new X Factor hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs, who himself found fame on the show.
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New line-up: The 2015 X Factor Judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernedez-Versini, Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw took their places with the brand new show hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs
Rumours of Rita and Nick's arrival on the show had been buzzing for weeks, with a final confirmation on The X Factor's official Twitter page in mid-June.
Rita, 24, left her position as a coach on BBC's The Voice after just one season after she was reportedly lured by Simon with a £1.5 million contract.
It has also been claimed that part of the reason she jumped ship over to the rival programme was due to BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick, who helped to persuade her it would be better for her career.
Slimline: Cheryl Fernandez-Verskini showed off an extremely slender frame as she arrived for the first day of X Factor auditions in Manchester on Wednesday
Slender: Cheryl opted for a midriff-baring crop top and widelegged black trousers which made her look skinnier than ever
Tiny: Cheryl's outfit displayed her teeny-tiny waist, emphasised by her baggy trousers
A source close to the star told MailOnline: 'Grimmy was the one that finally convinced Rita to join the show. Simon was also very persuasive and reminded her it was The X Factor which first made Rita a TV star.
'It's never been about money for Rita. She loved her time on The Voice but her diary for early 2016 meant she wouldn't be able to commit to The Voice for a second series.'
The X Factor auditions were postponed from Monday this week due to the sad death of Simon Cowell's beloved mother Julie at the age of 89.
Despite his recent loss, the music mogul was back to work on Wednesday, even flashing a smile as he arrived at the venue.
Better late than never: Rita Ora was a late arrival, hitting the red carpet long after Cheryl
Lady in red: Rita oped for a Seventies style scarlet dress and matching over-the-knee boots
He's back: Brave Simon Cowell flashed a smile as he made his way to auditions just a few days after losing his beloved mother Julie
Postponed: X Factor auditions were postponed until Wednesday after Simon Cowell's mother passed away
Excited: Nick admitted that as a big fan of the show, he was excited to be a part of it
His newest female judge Rita looked stunning in a Seventies style scarlet dress and matching over-the-knee boots, but it was Cheryl, 32, who truly turned heads.
The singer arrived in a tiny black crop top paired with wide-legged black trousers which showed off her super slim frame.
She appeared to be in high spirits, smiling happily at the cameras as she arrived at the venue.
And Cheryl made time for the fans, stopping to take selfies and sign autographs before making her way inside.
Reunited: She was joined by her former Xtra Factor co-host Olly Murs as they prepare to host the main show
Chic: New Xtra Factor host Rochelle Humes opted for a white shirt with a daring cutout back
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3154288/FIRST-PICTURE-new-X-Factor-panel-judges-gets-business-auditions-Manchester.html#ixzz3fNsYUxy4
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