The 12th series of The X Factor will look very different to the previous one in 2014, which was won by Ben Haenow.

As the fierce rivalry with BBC One’s popular Strictly Come Dancing continues, Simon Cowell’s ITV talent show has had a makeover.

Here are the key changes to X Factor in the never-ending battle with Auntie’s ballroom wonders…

1. Goodbye, Louis Walsh and Mel B

The Irishman won’t be telling hopefuls who they remind him of this year and it’s also farewell to former Spice Girl Mel B. Their places on the judging panel are taken by ex-Voice coach Rita Ora and Radio 1 Breakfast Show presenter Nick Grimshaw.

The X factor judges 2015 with presenters Caroline Flack and Olly Murs
Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw, Caroline Flack and Olly Murs (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Although Simon Cowell and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini remain, the average age of the panel has still decreased by around 347 years…

2. Hello, executive producer Cheryl!

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini
Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (Philip Toscano/PA)

Remember when Simon sacked Cheryl from X Factor USA? What a difference four years makes because he has now promoted her to executive producer of the UK series.

She’s already taken advantage of her new-found powers, crediting herself for the live judges’ houses round, saying: “I think it’s going to be really interesting, really fun and really good to get people on board and involved.

“They’re going to choose our categories too, so it’s going to be really interesting to see people invested from that early on. Being the new exec producer, that was one of my new decisions.”

Look out for her name when the credits roll.

3. No more Dermot dancing

We’re really sad about this one because our Saturday nights won’t start right here with a Dermot O’Leary twirl and his tight trousers.

Caroline Flack and Olly Murs
Caroline Flack and Olly Murs (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Instead, the new X Factor hosts are Olly Murs and Caroline Flack, previously presenters of The Xtra Factor.

The high-spirited duo are out to have fun on the show as well as provide shoulders for X Factor’s flops to cry on. They remind us of Ant and Dec on Britain’s Got Talent.

4. So long, Sarah-Jane Crawford

Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom
Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom (Syco/Thames TV)

Over on sister show The Xtra Factor, Saturdays star-turned-presenter Rochelle Humes and Sweat The Small Stuff’s Melvin Odoom replace previous host Sarah-Jane Crawford.

5. Welcome back, arena auditions!

Old-school small room auditions were brought back in 2013 after being axed in 2009. But guess what? They’ve been dropped yet again.

Hopefuls will audition in arenas from the off when they make their first attempt to impress the judges.

6. Marvel at the professional-looking performances

The pressure is on to make that first arena audition count and, as a result, X Factor hopefuls are upping the ante.

There are acts playing instruments, auditionees with backing singers, choreographed dancers and lots more. There’s more polish on stage than at a Mr Sheen factory…

7. Boot Camp meets Downton Abbey

Boot Camp is being “supersized” to include activities at a country house mansion in addition to the infamous six-chair challenge.

8. Judges’ Houses go live

Always more memorable for what Sinitta didn’t wear rather than what the hopefuls sang, the Judges’ Houses stage of the competition will be live instead of pre-recorded.

Blimey, how exciting! This move should also ensure fewer spoilers leaking out so it’s win-win all around.

9. Viewers choose judges’ categories

X Factor fans will be given even more power this year as they’ll decide which of the four categories – Boys, Girls, Overs or Groups – each X Factor judge will mentor.

A live vote will take place on Twitter while the auditions are airing. Who knows? We may see the judges beg their followers to vote them the strongest category on social media.

The vote will open on Twitter during the first episode tonight (August 29) and closes at 12pm on Tuesday September 1. Bet nobody’s after the Overs…

10. The full schedule is out

Strictly Come Dancing
Strictly Come Dancing (BBC)

We don’t know who the 2015 winner will be, but we know they’ll be crowned on Sunday, December 13.

In another first, ITV has released its full schedule for the X Factor this year in a bid to avoid any clashes with BBC One’s Strictly.

Peter Fincham, director of ITV said: “All the evidence we have from our audiences is that they don’t want the two to overlap. It’s perfectly possible for them not to overlap.”

11. Peter Dickson has left the building

X Factor has discovered many distinctive voices over the years, but not even the mighty One Direction can compare to live shows announcer, Peter Dickson. A fixture since the very first show way back in 2004, the 58-year-old has quit.

“After the best 11 years with the X Factor, it’s time for me to check out and cut loose.”

Awww, Peter – we’ll miss your booming tones!