The X Factor is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The ninth series began airing on ITV on 18 August 2012. Before the start of the auditions process it was confirmed that Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos would return to the judging panel. Nicole Scherzinger was confirmed as the fourth permanent judge after Geri Halliwell, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora, Melanie Brown, Anastacia and Scherzinger herself stood in as guest judges for the vacant position left by Kelly Rowland. Dermot O'Leary will return as host on ITV, whilst Caroline Flack and Olly Murs will return to host The Xtra Factor on ITV2, but Murs will only be present for the live shows due to his tour commitments.