We’ve seen the first episode of the new, fifth (yes fifth!) series of The X Factor and we know it sounds barely believable, but it really could be the best yet. Not only do you get to see Cheryl Cole (minus wedding ring) weeping uncontrollably, as well as a white-boy, bum-fluff-moustache double act called Ant & Seb, who perform one of the funniest auditions ever – but there’s also a woman called Rachel, who’s in her mid 20s and has five kids and has such a remarkable voice that Simon Cowell is already saying she could be the eventual winner. Her performance of Amy Winehouse’s No Good will have you sobbing into your supper.
Other things to look out for – a cute young chap called Austin who could be this year’s heartthrob, Simon Cowell winking uncontrollably at all the contestants he likes, Cheryl Cole repeatedly telling everyone she likes them [adopts thick Geordie accent] “One. Hundred. Per cent.”, some great band names like “Symmetry” and “Dreamtime”, and Dermot’s brilliant poker face when trying to “comfort” the aforementioned awful act Ant & Seb.
Meanwhile, the standout moment at the launch of the show in a swanky London hotel was when Cheryl ended up crying again at the clip of herself crying. But we have to say heat's very own eyes were welling up when we saw the climax of the show in which Cheryl meets an auditionee who’s an old friend from Popstars: The Rivals, the show which first put Girls Aloud together. The words “emotional” and “rollercoaster” come to mind…. Don’t miss the show – ITV1, tomorrow, 7.30pm.
You must watch The X Factor!