X Factor latest

ITV finally confirm the new celebrity line-up...

09:12 31 May 2011

After weeks of speculation, ITV and SyCo have finally confirmed the names of the new X Factor 2011 judges.

Take That's Gary Barlow, N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos and former Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland will join Louis Walsh on the panel this year.

This announcement puts an end to rumours that Cheryl Cole would be returning to the UK show, following her departure from the American X Factor judging panel last week.

The new judges spoke of their delight at being chosen, with 22-year-old Tulisa saying:

"I'm so excited to be the joining the X Factor and want to bring something fresh and new to the panel.

"I'm not going to be afraid to speak my mind and mix things up a little."

Gary was equally enthusiastic, saying:

"I'm extremely excited about working on The X Factor. My one goal is to find a global super star. If I don't find one I won't have done my job."

While Grammy award-winning solo artist Kelly said she wanted to hear "a few diamonds in the rough".

ITVÂ’s Director of Television, Peter Fincham, said:

"As multi-million selling artists, songwriters and pop masterminds, Gary, Tulisa, Kelly and Louis have huge breadth of appeal with our audience and the ability to engage both the UKÂ’s next generation of music talent as well as ITVÂ’s viewers."

The new panel will begin their quest to uncover the best in singing talent on 1 June in Birmingham and will then visit Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff, London and Liverpool.