Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw has been announced as a judge for the new series of The X factor, ITV has confirmed.
The Oldham-born presenter joins singer Rita Ora in replacing Louis Walsh, who has been with the show since it started in 2004, and former Spice Girl Mel B.
Grimshaw has lost over a million listeners since taking over the Radio 1 Breakfast Show from Chris Moyles in 2012, but still has an average weekly audience of almost 6 million.
He said: “I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I’m hugely excited to be joining the show.
New judges Grimshaw and Ora with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (centre)
“Music is my job and my passion and I’m really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can’t wait for Judges’ Houses in Oldham!”
The pair will appear alongside Cowell and former Girls Aloud star Cheryl Fernandez-Versini when the show returns in the autumn.
Cowell said: “It’s taken a while! But I am very happy to be able to confirm our lineup of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun. They all bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion for music to the show.”
“I have a feeling I am in for a bit of a rough time but sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and now, with luck, we hope to find a star.”
ITV and the programme’s producers, Cowell’s Syco and Fremantle Media UK, described Grimshaw as a “massive champion of music [who] will bring a new and fresh perspective to the panel in the search for the next big singing sensation”.
Elaine Bedell, ITV’s director of entertainment and comedy, said Grimshaw would “bring his unique perspective and extensive musical knowledge” to the role.
