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BBC Host Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

ITV poaches BBC talent Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora for X-Factor refresh

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By John McCarthy | Opinion Editor

June 16, 2015 | 2 min read

BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw and pop star Rita Ora are to join the judging panel of X-Factor for its 12th season.

Grimshaw will fill in for departing veteran Louis Walsh whereas Ora is set to jump ship from BBC rival show The Voice to fill the fourth judging position. The “new generation” of judges will sit alongside Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell when the show returns in in autumn.

Grimshaw 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.

“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."

Ora added: "I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012. This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. It’s the new generation taking over. Booooom.”

This comes after ITV chose Olly Murs and Caroline Flack to host the show following the departure of long-time presenter Dermot O’Leary, who stood down in March.

BBC Host Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

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