The X Factor has been in desperate need of a shake up for some time. Well thankfully it seems that show bosses are doing everything they can to refresh the format this year, and we're here for it.
After 14 years on our screens, X Factor's 2018 overnight launch ratings dropped to their lowest ever (even though it was still the most-watched show of the night). So let's take a closer look at all the ways Simon Cowell and co are apparently trying to win us over this year…
1. A shiny new panel of judges
There may have been a lot of hype around the line-up when it was first announced, but it was met with mixed reviews. There was certainly a backlash over the appointment of Ayda Field – some thought she lacked credentials, while others didn't know who she was.
Yet the addition of Robbie Williams and Louis Tomlinson was, on the whole, widely applauded.Crossing multiple generations, each fella has the backing of a hardcore boyband fan base – Robbie, the cheeky chappy from Take That, and Louis, whose Directioner influence will never waver.
It was a smart move by Mr Cowell, and one that has given the talent series a much-needed facelift.
2. The 'Golden X'
The Six Chair Challenge has traditionally left a bad taste in the mouths of viewers, so this year Simon is said to be softening the blow with the introduction of a new element.
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Giving each judge their own button, which has the power to send a contestant right through to Judges' Houses, this reported new feature may add another element of excitement for viewers at home.
3. Introducing an impartial judge
Sharon Osbourne may be out as a mentor, but there are still plans to incorporate her in the live shows. With a newly appointed role just for her, Mrs O will not be given a group of her own to mentor but will instead act as an impartial music mogul.
So that means Sharon will be offering constructive criticism to every contestant, without bias – or, at least, that's the hope.
4. Bye bye, Boot Camp
According to various reports, this traditional part of the show has been dropped for 2018.
In the past, contestants who impressed during live shows were sent through to this round, which generally included some singing challenges. You might remember one particularly notorious one, which saw controversial star Ryan Ruckledge derail his Boot Camp audition because he didn't like the people he'd been put with.
Removing this well-known part of the format means that there'd be no intermittent stage for singers between auditions (and their "yes" votes from judges) and the Six Chair Challenge. Instead, Simon, Louis, Ayda and Robbie will go through a deliberation process in order to decide who to send through.
5. X Factor goes abroad
ITV took the show on holiday! Yes, really.
The news was announced on the show's official Twitter account, when it was revealed that auditions would be taking place on the sunny shores of Benidorm and Tenerife. Because talent can be anywhere.
Will these shake-ups revive the show? Only time will tell.
The X Factor continues on Saturday night at 8.35pm on ITV.
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TV Editor, Digital Spy Laura has been watching television for over 30 years and professionally writing about entertainment for almost 10 of those. Previously at LOOK and now heading up the TV desk at the UK's biggest TV and movies site Digital Spy, Laura has helped steer conversations around some of the most popular shows on the box. Laura has appeared on Channel 5 News and radio to talk viewing habits and TV recommendations. As well as putting her nerd-level Buffy knowledge to good use during an IRL meet with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Laura also once had afternoon tea with One Direction, has sat around the fire pit of the Love Island villa, spoken to Sir David Attenborough about the world's oceans and even interviewed Rylan from inside the Big Brother house (housemate status, forever pending).
