I thought it was much better. I hope they have realised the Bigger Is Better had been overdone. The intimate relaxed audition room was better than the auditorium. Seemed to be less AND NOW: TONIGHT: WE RETURN stuff shouted at us whilst the single words flash up. I found so many bells and whistles actually numbed any connection with it.

I assumed I'd dislike the panel as I've never been a fan of any of them but I'm actually enjoying them. The judges always become far too important in the show and I guess because these are all old hands they've just slotted in without them having to be introduced too much.

The whole back to basics of the show is a real winner for me so far and I'm one who stopped watching until the lives but now I'm back to watching the audition stages and Xtra Factor so that's a positive.

I surprised myself when I recorded the show based on the trailer. Watching it now and I'm enjoying it, which I haven't done for years. It's oh so predictable but that can be quite comforting for a Saturday night/hungover Sunday!

I'm actually liking this panel. I thought Nicole would annoy me, but she has good chemistry with everyone and fits in well. Last year's panel just felt a bit fake and forced, especially Nick and Rita.

Back in your cave, Neanderthal.

That Pussycat has more talent in her farts than you have in your entire body.

Learn some grammar while you're at it.

I'm feeling the same

I'm enjoying it so far this year, hope they keep up the standard as the weeks go on. I definitely prefer the room auditions to the live auditions. I feel they're a lot more personal.

I wasn't too keen on the new xtra factor, although I don't normally watch that until live shows anyway, thought I'd give it a go last night since it was a new format.

You're dead right about Nicole. Her voice is incredible

Funny thing is I loved Rita on TV but, didn't rate her on TXF.

This panel is definitely my fave, they all seem comfortable with each other and as a result I'm relaxed watching them. I never really liked Cheryl as she always seemed like a spoilt pampered princess who would sulk and pout for any little thing. As a result the show often deteriorated into a biatching contest between the judges and not in a "fun" American Voice kinda way.

I'm not a big Dermot fan (haven't been since CBB5) but, seeing him back shows how much he was missed last year. He makes a difficult job look very easy.

Great panel, best since 2013.

It has been SO good so far... I normally can't stand the audition episodes but this really feels, finally, like a return to classic X-Factor and I'm loving it.

1. The panel, at last, is perfect - the three original judges (none of whom should ever have left) plus the glamour and kookiness of Nicole. It really works, and the chemistry leaps off the screen.

2. The effect of Dermot's return can't be overstated. He just *is* this show now, and it took watching cold fish Caroline and stumbling Olly last year to realise how good he is.

3. While we see fewer of them than I'd like, the auditions still feel like a good mix of genuine talent and lovable novelties. I'm particularly pleased that there's no cruelty so far this series... it's all just very light-hearted, very warm humour even for the ones who aren't great. And I'm glad that a healthy proportion of novelties are being put through... it means we should see at least a couple in the live shows, which to me is what the show's all about.

Really enjoying it! I thought this show was dead but I guess it's too much of a part of the cultural fabric to fail now.

lol. So true.

Yes they are my favourite judges, I always loved the original judges, I think their chemistry is much more natural. I always liked Sharon on the show, so it's nice to have her back. Nicole is a great addition to the original panel, she's probably my favourite judge out of all the non original judges over the years, so it's perfect for me. I think they're working well together.

That's because she's single at the moment and exactly his physical type. Wouldn't be at all surprised if he made a move. She'd probably knock him back though.

Really? I thought that there wasn't much chemistry between them. To me, some of it seemed a bit forced bits of it were like I need to talk to her because she's sat beside me. Some of it did seem natural, though. It still is early days and that and my opinion could change. Although, I don't think Simon and Nicole have better or the best chemistry out of all the female judges he has sat next to. In my opinion, that would be between Simon and Cheryl. They seemed to have the most fun and get on really well together. They were able to be passionate about their acts but also keep their friendship and even though they did argue on the show it all seemed very tongue in cheek.

However, it did annoy me a bit when she had a dig saying that she wasn't on the show before because she wasn't invited back. If Simon wanted her on the show he would have had her back I doubt he would let Cheryl stop him if he really wanted Nicole back on the show. She's just annoyed he wanted Cheryl more than her.

That's a bit harsh I think.

back to enjoying this programme again. Switched off last year during the first episode when they put the Blackpool club singer through.

Ah yes because saying a woman had better shut up and look good is perfectly acceptable.

as great as the Chemistry is between Simon & Nicole I still think Simon & Paula on Idol was the Best

Compared to the opening weekend of X Factor 2015, this series is already off to a better start.

It might have peaked already and go downhill from next week but I think ditching the live auditions has definitely helped. No more crowd cheering crap singer so judges putting them through because the crowd were tone deaf/easily pleased/given instructions from the stage manager (delete as appropriate).

Viewing figure have fallen though

True but then those 800k who haven't bothered probably don't even know about the changes in this years format.

I genuinely think had they kept the live auditions this year, it would've been a terrible start to X Factor for the reason I gave in the above post.

With just a room and the judges (and camera crew) there is no hiding place. You don't have that rent-a-mob cheering 10 seconds into your song so all bum notes are missed because the judges are more focused on the crowds reaction, rather than the singer.

I know the forums enjoys the room stuff but I don't think the more widespread viewers and media enjoy it.

A lot of people think it gives it a pop idol 2000 feel

For me, I'm glad they've stripped it right back to basics. X Factor seemed more "real" in the early years even though retrospect (i.e. Steve Brookstein) proved it wasn't.

As someone else posted, the more they threw more ideas into the melting pot, the more the show became a parody of itself. Hopefully this year can be back to 2005/2006 levels.

Hoping for another 2008 is too much of an ask.