Cheryl returns to The X Factor to help Simon Cowell whittle down the talent at the next stage of the competition.

The former judge jets out to the South of France to help Cowell choose the top three groups to take forward to the live shows.

The Judges’ Houses stage of the ITV contest sees the remaining 24 hopefuls fly to various locations with their judges, where they must convince them they should make the cut.

This year the boys will head to Istanbul to perform for Louis Walsh, the girls fly out to San Francisco to sing for Sharon Osbourne and the overs category travels to South Africa hoping to impress Nicole Scherzinger.

Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole Scherzinger (Syco/Thames/ITV)

Each judge has help at hand from guests who know all about what it takes to make it in the industry.

Cowell reunites with Cheryl, while former Pussycat Doll Scherzinger is aided by Mobo award-winning grime artist Stormzy.

The Osbournes
The Osbournes (Syco/Thames/ITV)

Osbourne makes it a family affair by asking her son Jack and daughter Kelly for their advice.

Walsh is joined by Brit Award winner and Grammy nominated singer-songwriter Mika.