The X Factor 2016 judging panel confirmed: Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh join Simon Cowell for new series

There's not a single new face among the judges, while Dermot O'Leary returns as host

Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh are returning as X Factor judges (Rex Features)

Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh are returning to Simon Cowell’s X Factor’s judging panel, confirming that the reality TV show has surely run its course.

It’s not only the judges that lack a new face, either, as Dermot O’Leary is returning to fill Olly Murs and Caroline Flack’s shoes as host after just one series away.

In a bid to claw back ratings, the popular ‘room auditions’ have been revived, with the first batch taking place at Leiciester City’s King Power Stadium in Leicester on Friday 10 June.

Here’s what the ‘new’ judges had to say to try and get you excited for their returns:

Sharon Osbourne, rock band manager, seemingly only said yes so she could play with Cowell’s baby son: “I’m overjoyed about going back to The X Factor, sitting with Lou Lou, gorgeous Nicole and naughty Simon. But most of all, I can’t wait to meet baby Eric.”

Former Pussycat Doll Scherzy just wants more glory as a winning judge after James Arthur’s triumph: “I can’t wait to be back in the UK and on the show with the best judges sitting alongside me on the panel. I’m excited about discovering, mentoring and winning with an exciting new act this year, and having had winning contestants in the past, Simon knows I will do it.”

Louis Walsh is back for a 12th series and has no qualms about favouritism, sorry Cheryl: “He’d say otherwise but I knew Simon missed me last year! I’m delighted to be back on the panel especially beside my two favourite female judges Sharon and Nicole and I’m looking forward to taking them all back to Dublin this year when we head there for auditions.”

Cowell had little to say on the announcement, bar “Be careful what you wish for!” which sounds decidedly ominous to us.

Simon Cowell: 'Be careful what you wish for!'

The X Factor will return to ITV later this year alongside its sister show The Xtra Factor on ITV2. Successful past winners and contestants include One Direction, Olly Murs, Little Mix and Leona Lewis.

Last year’s judges Nick Grimshaw, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Rita Ora all quit, with Grimshaw describing the stint as “definitely a once in a lifetime style thing”.

ITV insists that despite dropping ratings, the show will continue “into 2017 and beyond”.