The X Factor (UK series 8) The X Factor (UK series 8) "The X Factor" is a British television music competition to find new singing talent. The eighth series commenced airing on ITV on 20 August 2011 and ended on 11 December 2011. The winner was Little Mix, a four-piece girl group known earlier in the series as Rhythmix, consisting of members Jesy Nelson, Perrie Edwards, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, and Jade Thirlwall. They became the first act in the groups category to win in the UK show's history with new judge Tulisa emerging as their winning mentor. Dermot O'Leary presented the main show on ITV, while Caroline
The X Factor (UK TV series) show, such as Lewis, Burke, JLS, Diana Vickers, Olly Murs, Cher Lloyd, One Direction, Little Mix, Arthur and Ella Henderson. The show is the originator of the international "The X Factor" franchise. A prominent show in British popular culture, "The X Factor" has proved hugely popular with the public. The sixth series peaked at 19.7 million UK viewers (a 63.2% audience share). "The X Factor" was created by Sony Music A&R judge Simon Cowell as a replacement for "Pop Idol". Cowell, who was a judge on "Pop Idol", wished to launch a show to which he owned the television rights.