X Factor back on screen in 10 days

The X Factor will return in just 10 days with a 75-minute launch show, ITV bosses have confirmed.

Provisional schedules show the programme will be back on August 18 and goes up against a screening of Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull and an edition of The National Lottery: Secret Fortune on BBC1.

Judges for this year's series are Louis Walsh, Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger. Gary is grieving for the loss of his stillborn daughter Poppy and earlier thanked fans for their "overwhelming" support.

Main rival Strictly Come Dancing - with which the talent contest was involved in a huge ratings battle last year - is not expected to have its launch programme until midway through the following month.

ITV1 will be hoping for a ratings bonanza when The X Factor makes its comeback as it serves up 90 minutes of Simon Cowell's gameshow Red Or Black? on the same evening, split into two shows. And there will also be an edition of The Jonathan Ross Show.

The X Factor will make its return with an audition show at 8pm, sandwiched between the two 45-minute Red Or Black? programmes, while Jonathan is lined up for a 10pm slot.

A rule change means anyone over the age of 16 has been able to enter The X Factor whether they are amateur artists, have had previous deals or currently have a management contract.