The X Factor has announced this year’s first Wildcard contestant and it’s none other than….Monica Michael.
The London-born singer shared the news on Twitter saying ‘Hi guys! I know Halloween is upon us but this is not a trick... I AM BACK!!!! #XtraFactor #WildCard’
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Monica joins Louisa Johnson, Kiera Weathers and Lauren Murray in the Girls category. Their mentor Rita Ora said the show ‘wouldn't be the same without her’, with the other girls agreeing she “deserves to come back.”
Rita added: ‘I walked away from [judges’ houses] and thought “I have to bring this girl back… ‘We all spoke on Monday and all said the same thing: it’s crazy not to bring one person back.’
Simon Cowell previously hinted an act was going to be brought back on Lorraine, saying: ‘Would I like to bring back the wildcard this series? I would do it in a heartbeat.
‘But it's not my decision. Well, it's not just my decision. I have influence over what we do but it's more complicated than you may think. We have to run ideas past a lot of people!’
Monica auditioned for the show last year but wasn’t taken past the tense Six Chair Challenge by her mentor at the time, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini. Chezza said of her return: ‘She’s really excited and really happy to be back. This is my most exciting first week I’ve ever had.’
The X Factor live shows start this Saturday on ITV1.