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 (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.