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 "Idol", where the judges only critique the contestants' performances, on "The X Factor" each judge "mentors" the finalists in a particular category, aiding them with song selection and styling, while also participating together in judging the contestants in the other categories. Not only "Idol", but also new singing shows "The Voice" and "Rising Star" have become rival shows to "The X Factor". There have been a total of 193 winners of "The X Factor" worldwide. <section begin="Whole series"/> Franchise that is currently airing <br> Franchise that is not currently airing, but will return in the future <br> Franchise that has