The X Factor (UK series 9) The X Factor (UK series 9) 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 and ended on 9 December 2012. Dermot O'Leary returned as presenter of the main show on ITV, whilst Caroline Flack and Olly Murs returned to co-present "The Xtra Factor" on ITV2. Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow and Tulisa returned as judges. Nicole Scherzinger was confirmed as the fourth permanent judge after Geri Halliwell, Leona Lewis, Rita Ora, Mel B, Anastacia and Scherzinger herself stood in as guest judges for the
The X Factor (Australian TV series) pass to "The X Factor". The hosts also answered questions and completed challenges that viewers sent in. New episodes were released via "The X Factor"s official website on Wednesday nights. "The Fan Factor" did not return in 2015. After "The X Factor" winner was announced in the grand final, the winner received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia and their winner's single was made available to download on the iTunes Store. A few weeks later, their debut album was released, which contained their winner's single and cover versions of songs they performed during the live shows. From season three,