Closer brings you all the behind the scenes gossip from X Factor’s pre-screening last night

This weekend will not only see the return of the X Factor, but also of two of Britain's most loved personalities.

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by Jack White |
Published on

Simon Cowell, 54, and newly married Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, 31, will reclaim their seats on the judging panel on the hunt for the next big superstar.

PICTURE: TULISA MAKES X FACTOR RETURN AT JUDGE'S HOUSES IN BERMUDA - CLICK TO SEE

Also joining the line-up this year is 39-year-old Spice Girl Mel B. Louis Walsh is, of course, returning and continuing his run of longest serving judge.

Last night we attended the press launch of the X Factor series 11, and in attendance were the judges, minus Mel B, who was filming America's Got Talent, along with Dermot O'Leary and brand new Xtra Factor hose Sarah Jane Crawford.

We were THIS close to Cheryl
We were THIS close to Cheryl

As they all stood together to greet the press waiting to watch the preview of the first couple of episodes, it looks like it will be the most exciting line-up of judges and hosts.

Not only that, but they all seemed like they genuinely get on well. Even Cheryl and Louis, whose 'feud' has been publicly documented, looked happy and comfortable with each other.

READ: TULISA CONFIRMS SHE IS GETTING 'BACK TO BUSINESS' AND RECORDING NEW MUSIC

Cheryl was joined by her new husband Jean-Bernard, and, although they were very obviously refraining from PDA, the chemistry between them was electric.

Simon was accompanied by his partner Lauren Silverman, and they looked very happy to be together

With our front row seats (right behind Cheryl herself!), we were touched to see JB squeezing his wife's hand whenever she was pictured looking emotional during audition scenes.

To Cheryl's left as they watched, was Simon. Despite their major falling out over her X Factor USA sacking, it seems they have well and truly put everything behind them.

They laughed together during the funny auditions, Cheryl chastised him with her eyes when the on-screen Simon made a dig about her, and there was a lot of whispering.

Lauren and Cheryl also appeared to get on extremely well, with the pair exchanging knowing looks over Simon's show antics.

Hosts Sarah-Jane and Dermot were also in attendence

Xtra Factor fans will be glad to know that Dermot's co-presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford, 29, gels well with the team and looks like she's been doing the job forever.

We're going to throw it out there and say she could possible turn out to be the best ever host of the spin-off show (apart from Olly Murs, of course).

READ: LOUIS WALSH ON TULISA'S DRUGS TRIAL – "IT WAS COMPLETE ENTRAPMENT, I HOPE HE GOES TO JAIL"

Perhaps most exciting moment of the whole evening was the screening of the first couple of episodes of the singing competition.

The talent is extremely high this year and, although we only saw a handful of auditions, it's already looking like this year will be the best ever in terms of contestants.

So, to recap, the best ever judges line-up, the best ever hosts and possibly the most talented ever contestants: the X Factor is officially back to it's best.

The X Factor starts this weekend at 8pm on ITV.

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