X Factor 2016: Cheryl's Return, Which Judge Has Which Category, And EVERYTHING Else You Need To Know!

23 August 2016, 11:09 | Updated: 10 December 2018, 14:40

The undisputed queen of reality TV is making a comeback to the X Factor!

It's back for its final stint - and a familiar face is making a return for the Judges' Houses stage of the competition.

Yes, Cheryl Tweedy Cole Fernandez-Versini is set to make a shock comeback after quitting the show last year to join Simon Cowell pick his top 4 acts for this year's live finals.

For the first time ever (and technically last, too...), Simon Cowell will be mentoring the girls - and after Louisa Johnson's triumph in 2015, there's clearly room for fiery solo ladies in the charts!

A source revealed all to the Daily Star that "Both Cowell and ITV bosses are in agreement Cheryl would be the perfect person to help him pick his finalists,"

"Cheryl also has a proven track history mentoring the girls as a judge, she's still incredibly popular with fans and it would keep her within the X Factor family despite her quitting."

Chezza originally joined the judging panel as a replacement for Sharon Osbourne in 2008, just days before filming was due to begin. In her first stint on the show, she mentored Alexandra Burke to victory, followed by Joe McElderry the following year - so she's definitely got a track record for picking the right acts to get to the final!

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In April this year, Cheryl decided to step down from the show's judging panel, just months after mentoring Reggie 'N' Bollie to second place in last year's competition, and has since focused her effort on her new relationship with Liam Payne - who, if the show's producers get their own way, will also be joining the talent show at some point.

In a reversal of roles, Sharon Osbourne has replaced Cheryl on the panel to be Simon's right-hand lady, with show veteran Louis Walsh and feisty pop kitten Nicole Scherzinger completing 2016's lineup.

X Factor Judges' Categories 2016

Girls - Simon Cowell
Boys - Nicole Scherzinger
Over 25s - Sharon Osbourne
Groups - Louis Walsh

When Does X Factor 2016 Start?

Auditions took place in June, and Boot Camp wrapped up on the 6-7th July. The first rounds of the show will air this Saturday and Sunday (27th & 28th August) at 8pm.

Which Celebs Are Guest Judging At Judges' Houses?

The names of this year's guest judges are still under wraps, but the rumour mill is saying that Cheryl will be helping Simon Cowell with his Girls category, with Liam Payne also tipped to make an appearance after his bandmate Louis Tomlinson did a great job last year. The last time they were on the judging panel, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh brought along Mary J. Blige and Tulisa respectively, so their assistants this year are anyone's guess.

Who's Presenting X Factor 2016?

Dermot O'Leary will be returning to the spotlight for 2016, after taking last year off, as the show's main host - so expect lots more tight trouser shots and smooth dance moves. Matt Edmondson and Rylan Clark will be presenting spin-off show The Xtra Factor, with our very own Roman Kemp taking the reigns as the show's digital presenter and social media reporter.

EXCITING NEWS: @romankemp is the #XFactor's new digital presenter!

https://t.co/9vLLONreU9 pic.twitter.com/HM8xQj6obQ
— The X Factor (@TheXFactor) July 1, 2016