The X Factor (British TV series) series 3
- For general information about the show, see the main X Factor article.
The third series of UK music talent show The X Factor is currently in broadcast on ITV1 in the United Kingdom and TV3 in the Republic of Ireland. It first aired on August 19, 2006 scheduled to end on December 16, 2006. All three judges, Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh, returned, and Paula Abdul made a guest appearance at the London auditions, at the first episode. Kate Thornton, returned as the host of the main X Factor series, with Ben Shephard presenting The Xtra Factor on ITV2. 100,000 people applied - the biggest so far.
The X Factor 2006 Auditions began on June 7, of that year. Check out the 2006 Audition Gallery starting July 19 on The X Factor website. [1]
Different
The X Factor - new look
The third series of the popular show is having a bit of a make-over. Instead of the red and purple colour scheme, this year will be red and blue, just to make it slightly different from the previous series'.
Guest judge
It was confirmed by producers that a fourth 'guest' judge will be American Idol judge Paula Abdul, although she will only be present at the London auditions and will therefore NOT mentor a fourth category of contestants, as had been previously rumoured.
New website
It has been confirmed that The X Factor will have a new website for the third series only. The website was first released on August 11, 2006 [1].
Rumours
There were rumours that there could be a 14-24's category, thus allowing a wider age group to take part. This change will not take place for the third series, although has not been ruled out for series 4 and 5 (2007 and 2008 respectively).
The current The Xtra Factor host Ben Shephard will become a second presenter, meaning that a space could be filled for a potential third presenter to present The Xtra Factor on ITV2.
It has been rumoured that Simon Cowell will mentor the 16-24's, Sharon Osbourne the 25 and overs, and Louis Walsh the groups.