Hugely popular and successful TV show (started in 2004) that strives to find the 'next big thing' from thousands of amateur singing hopefuls, selected from members of the public and mentored by four judges. Their reward is a recording deal, live shows and much media coverage.

Judges have included Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Sharon Osbourne, Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and Nicole Scherzinger.

2016 saw the return of presenter Dermot O'Leary, with the judging panel featuring: Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh.

The contestants are whittled down to 16 for the final with previous winners including Matt Terry, Louisa Johnson, Steve Brookstein, Shayne Ward, Leona Lewis, Leon Jackson, Alexandra Burke, Joe McElderry, Matt Cardle, Little Mix, James Arthur, Sam Bailey, Ben Haenow, Louisa Johnson, Matt Terry, Rak-Su, and Dalton Harris.