[ThaGazBoi]

ITV has commissioned a celebrity version of The X Factor for transmission this Spring.

The "special event" will air over a number of consecutive nights; most likely at the end of May, in advance of the third series this August.

Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will all return as judges while Kate Thornton will reprise hosting duties.

"The X Factor was a runaway success and united the nation in debates over the rights and wrongs of who got voted out each week," said Paul Jackson, ITV's newly-appointed director of entertainment and comedy. "We are in discussions with celebrities right now but are keeping some of the elements of the show under wraps."

As with the main series, the celebrity contestants will be divided into three categories - under 25s, over 25s and groups. The groups will be assembled by producers.

"The judges won't know who they are mentoring until the shows start - and then the gloves are off," added Jackson. "It will be a huge treat for viewers to see the celebrities under pressure from Simon Cowell who, as we know, is honest and direct - he certainly doesn't mince his words."

The celebrity version of The X Factor will air instead of the previously proposed reworking of the Pop Idol format.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk

[Mike]

Should be a laugh, good to see the judges will be the usual three.

[Clnbnt06]

They'll just put it up against BB like Celebrity Love Island. ITV are very annoying when it comes to schedules.

[BB-Rocks]

Sounds good, thanks Gazza

[magic-merlin106]

I think Celebrity X Factor is going to be brilliant lol. Can't wait for it

[magic-merlin106]

[BB-Rocks]

Originally posted by magic-merlin106

Why?

[Siouxsie]

could be quite good

[x-heather-x]

If Big Brother's on at the same time thn I'm watchin Big Brother. I hate it when ITV do stuff like that.

Jealousy's a terrible thing.!!!!!!

[ThaGazBoi]

More On Celebrity XFactor

From The News of the World

Louis Walsh told News of the World 'We are trying to get Posh Spice to do it, also people we want to take part are Coleen McLoughin among others. A couple of english footballers would be great to.

[Pipergun]

Morning, Gazza! Does he mean Posh Spice to be a contestant or judge?

[x-heather-x]

It would be cheating to have Posh Spice to sing coz she's already been in the charts. Should thay not get unprofessinal singers to do it?

She would be terible as a judge too. Do you not need to be good at music to be a judge?

I heard they're trying to get David Seaman to take part.

[chick]

Could be good .