Back with a bang! X Factor returns tonight - and new judges are full of fighting talk as they prepare to tackle first lot of wannabes

By Jody Thompson

Last updated at 3:01 AM on 20th August 2011

The new series of the X Factor kicks off tonight and the public get to see the new judging panel - Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland, Tulisa and Louis Walsh - put through their paces for the first time.

In this, the eighth series, it's back with a bang and still determined to find the UK's next pop superstar - though one presumes more of the Leona Lewis than the Steve Brookstein variety...

In auditions held across the country earlier this year, thousands of wannabes turned up to audition with the stand-out moments debuted tonight on ITV1 - including one cheeky chappy who just wants to win the show to meet girls.

At least he's honest: One of the first to audition on tonight's first show of the new series of X Factor is Frankie Cocozza - who says he wants to win to meet lots of girls

Kelly has certainly been impressed with the standard of talent so far. 

Introducing herself at the start of tonight's show, she says:  'The talent coming out of the UK is nothing short of amazing. I cannot wait to find the next big star!

'Being in Destiny’s Child, being a solo artist, I know how tough the industry is - I’ve been here for 15 years. It takes hard work to get to the top and even harder work to stay there.

'I want to find someone who will sell records all over the world. This show could change your life forever. 

Will she have the judges purring? Contestant Kitty Brucknell would have certainly impressed Simon Cowell in her shiny leggings

Also new to the show this year is N-Dubz star Tulisa Contostavlos, who reckons she's going to add spark to the show this year.

She talked a fighting talk ahead of the series debut, saying: 'I would like to bring some fireworks to the judging panel. I’ve been in N-Dubz since the age of 11 years old. We have worked our butts off to get where we are.

'We script our own videos, we write our own songs, I know what I’m talking about. This isn’t just about finding a star – it’s about finding something fresh, something new. I know talent when I see it, and that’s what I’m here for.

'I’m young, I’m feisty, I’m opinionated – would I say I’m gobby? Umm… yeah!'

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Elsewhere, new judge but old hand, Take That star Gary Barlow says that only his mother is more chuffed than he is that he's on the show.

He gushed: 'I am so excited to be a judge on X Factor. Not as excited as my mum – it’s like it’s the first thing I’ve ever done in my career. I’ve been here for 20 years – I’ve been up, I’ve been down, I’ve performed in front of millions of people all over the world, so I’m bringing a ton of experience.

'And I’m willing to share it with all of these people. I’m here to find a superstar. If I don’t, I’ve failed. I’m going to be a very tough judge – if I don’t see the talent or potential, I’m going to be brutal. I think people’s perception of me is about to change.'

Keeping it casual: Stefan, who debuts on the show tonight, has a hint of the Olly Murs about him

As for veteran judge, the stalwart and only surving member of all eight series on the panel, reckons having new colleagues has put fresh wind in his sails.

He boasted: 'I’m the last judge standing. The new panel have given me a whole new energy. It’s like I’ve got new batteries. I can spot a star – I remember JLS, I spotted them before anybody else. People walk on the stage and they either have it or they haven’t got it. I’m just buzzing to go – I want to find the next big star.'

This year, the battle to win The X Factor will take place in front of 10,000 people, with the final at Wembley Arena.

The search begins tonight in London - and first up is Frankie Cocozza, 18, who sings his version of The Zutons' Valerie.

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However, he reveals his motivation behind entering the show isn't exactly in keeping with the spirit of the competition, when he confesses: 'I want to try and sleep with as many women as possible...I just want to be famous. I want to be huge.

'I look forward to all the money, and the cars, and showing off, but more than anything I’m looking forward to the girls.'

But will his spiel go down well with the judges, and will he walk the walk as well as talk the talk?

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As revealed by Mail Online yesterday, he then proceeds to show his naked bottom to the judges to reveal a tattoo he's just had done of the name of a girl he met in Malia, Crete.

Kelly can't quite believe it, laughing: 'Can I just say, I freaking love the UK! You gotta love it here. He came on, he showed his ass, literally. You’ve got to love that.'

Also on the show will be Cheltenham lass Kitty Brucknell, 26, who sings Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory, the wildcard Goldie Cheung, 48, from Hong Kong, who's described as a cross between Tina Turner and a lapdancer, and the early favourite, 16-year-old Janet Devlin.