X Factor UK Headlines for 08/27/15

2 days until X Factor UK season 12! Yesterday was the press launch with the screening of the first episode!

One Direction Producer: Hiatus ‘Wasn’t Decided Just Yesterday,’ Impacted Upcoming Album
“There was a feeling of, ‘Well, we’re going to take a break,’” Julian Bunetta says of the boy band’s latest recording process.

On Monday (Aug. 24), One Direction’s Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson clarified widespread breakup rumors by admitting on Twitter that the group will be taking a “well earned break at some point next year,” not “splitting up,” according to Horan. The news was a shock to many longtime fans, but Julian Bunetta, the producer/songwriter behind many of the group’s biggest hits (including new Top 10 smash “Drag Me Down”), says that One Direction’s upcoming fifth album was recorded with the four members knowing it would be their last for a while.

“There was a feeling of, ‘Well, we’re going to take a break, and anything in the world can happen during that time off,’” Bunetta, who has co-produced and co-written 1D hits like “Steal My Girl” and “Story of My Life,” told Billboard last week. “It’s the first time of there being some uncertainty, of not having things planned out beforehand, since they were 16 years old. There was definitely a vibe of making [the album] the best it can possibly be, and knowing it has to last as long as it needs to until we make another record — if we make another record.”
Read more: Billboard

The Gamble to Save One Direction: How This Break Might Be the Only Way to Keep Harry, Liam, Niall and Louis Together
When Zayn Malik abruptly left One Direction, the biggest boy band in the world faced a crisis of epic proportions.

Zayn had been unhappy for a while, the extent of his woes an open secret among the group’s inner circle. He felt trapped on the hamster wheel that was the group’s grueling schedule of performances and promotional appearances. In the end, it had become unbearable for him so, while his departure was heartbreaking, ultimately it was the best decision for everyone.

But still, his exit rocked the band to the core and set off panic alarms for the tightknit team that surrounds Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson. What if his fleeing was contagious? If Zayn could leave, who might be next? One Direction as a foursome was acceptable, but as a trio…

Unthinkable!

“The team knew they had to come up with a solution, an insider tells E! News. “Five years dealing with the kind of schedule they were on, there was a danger it was becoming too much.”

In the weeks that followed Zayn’s dramatic exit, a series of closed-door conversations took place about the future of the band. There was really only one solution. And so, after much deliberation, it was decided once their current tour was over, they would not book any future engagements. They needed a break.

It was the only way to save One Direction.
Read more: E! Online

‘He’s a global superstar’: Harry Styles is ‘being courted by Sony music bosses in a bid to secure solo deal’ following One Direction’s hiatus announcement
He’s arguably the most popular member of One Direction with 25.4milion Twitter followers.

And Harry Styles has reportedly already been approached by Sony music to secure a lucrative deal as a solo artist in the wake of the band’s decision to take an ‘extended hiatus’ in 2016.

The 21-year-old singer – who is currently signed to Simon Cowell’s label Syco, a division of Sony – is said to have been given precedence over his band mates Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson because music insiders believe he is the band’s breakout star.
Read more: Daily Mail

Giving it their all! One Direction put on a typically energetic show as they perform for the first time since confirming hiatus
Their remaining tour dates are selling out like hot cakes after they confirmed they will take a break next year.

And One Direction are ensuring that they give their all for the rest of their Where We Are tour as they put on an energetic set during their performance in Wisconsin on Tuesday.

The British boy band – comprised of Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson – delighted fans with a faultless show at Miller Park stadium in Milwaukee.
Read more: Daily Mail

Now that’s a loyal following! 1D win MTV’S Hottest Summer Superstar award with 94 MILLION votes… just days after devastating fans with ‘extended hiatus’
Pop fans have been left devastated by news of their ‘extended hiatus’.

But, despite the upset, it seems One Direction’s followers still managed to pull themselves together one more time – to ensure the group win their third consecutive MTV award, this week.

The four-piece will be bestowed with the Hottest Summer Superstar accolade at this weekend’s ceremony, after scooping the gong with a record 94 million votes.
Read more: Daily Mail

Simon Cowell breaks his silence on One Direction ‘hiatus’: ‘Any time they reunite, people will support them’
Simon Cowell has finally broken his silence on his chart-topping group One Direction’s impending hiatus.

Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson announced earlier this week that One Direction will likely take a “well-earned break” from working together following the release of their upcoming fifth album.
Read more: Digital Spy


‘It’s a symbol of my sense of freedom!’ Simon Cowell sports new scruffy beard at X Factor launch but sticks to his usual baggy T-shirt and jeans
He is a creature of habit when it comes to his appearance, rarely deviating from wearing baggy T-shirts with jeans.

And while Simon Cowell didn’t change from his usual sartorial choice at Wednesday’s X Factor launch, the 55-year-old music mogul surprised fans with a scruffy beard.

The usually clean cut star sported dark facial hair streaked with grey at the Picturehouse Central Cinema in London.
Read more: Daily Mail

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini displays extreme cleavage in a plunging floral minidress as she shines at the X Factor launch
She’s original queen of X Factor glamour, so while new judge Rita Ora couldn’t attend the press launch on Wednesday night, it was Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s time to shine once more.

The glossy brunette stole the show in a super-plunging floral mini dress that zipped almost the her waist band with a daring neckline.

Her super-slim form was accentuated by the black contours of her dress and she added dainty gold heels to the outfit to make an elegant red carpet appearance.
Read more: Daily Mail

Leggy Caroline Flack and giddy co-host Olly Murs make a cute pair in matching black as they kick off the X Factor launch
There may be new judges on the X Factor panel this year, but all eyes will be on new hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs to hold the show together.

And giggling away on the red carpet as they arrived for the official launch night, the pair proved that there’s going to be plenty of laughs to soften that responsibility.

Caroline, 35, and her 31-year-old presenter pal Olly were positively giddy as they paired up for the red carpet appearance on Wednesday, just three days before the show kicks off.
Read more: Daily Mail

Earning her X Factor stripes: Rochelle Humes shows off her long legs in colourful mini skirt as she joins her new co-stars at show’s launch
She’s part of the star-studded new lineup for the X Factor.

And Rochelle Humes stood out at the launch for the 12th series of the ITV show on Wednesday, flashing her toned legs in a striped mini skirt.

The Saturdays singer looked gorgeous in her chic mini paired with a white shirt as she strutted down the red carpet at Picturehouse in London with her new co-stars.
Read more: Daily Mail

We watched the new X Factor and here’s what we thought about it
It seems that The X Factor has been on FOREVER and in reality TV terms, it has.

While many shows have come and gone – a lot limping through just the one series – X Factor has proved a regular hit alongside the likes of Big Brother and Strictly Come Dancing.

Ratings however have been on the decline in recent years and this Saturday marks the twelfth year of the show and it’s all change.

We had the chance to watch the opening episode at last night’s media launch and while we can’t give away any fine details yet (wait until Saturday!) we did have a few general thoughts about it all.
Read more: TellyMix

The X Factor reveals its full series 12 schedule to dodge “unavoidable clash” with Strictly Come Dancing
The X Factor is taking the unprecedented step of releasing its full schedule for series 12 – in hopes of dodging an “unavoidable clash” with Strictly Come Dancing.

In the wake of ITV director Peter Fincham publicly asking the BBC to prevent head-to-head clashes, a full list of dates and times for The X Factor was released tonight (August 26).
Read more: Digital Spy

Nick Grimshaw interview: ‘I will definitely cry on The X Factor’
If landing a gig on one of TV’s biggest music shows wasn’t enough for Nick Grimshaw – along with his daily Radio 1 Breakfast Show – he’s also managed to squeeze in time to record a series of special interviews with some of music’s biggest stars.

Grimmy is the new face of Relentless Ultra Presents Soundchain – a show that focuses on a single act each episode, showing exclusive performances and delving into their musical journey and inspirations.
Read more: Digital Spy

The sweet smell of success! Cheryl Fernandez-Versini’s new fragrance alone is set to earn her £1.4million in a year, proving the star is bigger than ever
She’s already got plenty of money in the bank thanks to her stellar music career, stints on X Factor and L’Oreal contract, but Cheryl Fernandez-Versini looks set to top up her earnings.

The star’s third perfume is set to earn her £1.4 million this year, according to new statistics.

The 32-year-old singer launched the £39.95 Storm Flower Noir in London last week and based on pre-orders, Cheryl is set to rake in a huge amount.
Read more: Daily Mail


X Factor UK Season 12 Schedule

AUDITIONS – 7 Episodes
SATURDAY, August 29 – 8pm – 9.30pm
SUNDAY, August 30 – 8pm – 9pm
SATURDAY, September 5- 8.15pm – 9.30pm
SUNDAY, September 6- 7.45pm – 9pm
SATURDAY, September 12 – 8pm – 9.15pm
SUNDAY, September 13 – 8pm – 9pm
SATURDAY, September 19 – 8pm – 9.30pm

BOOTCAMP – 5 Episodes
SUNDAY, September 20 (Country House Boot Camp) – 7pm – 9pm
SUNDAY, September 27 (Country House Boot Camp) – 7pm – 9pm
SUNDAY, October 4 (6-chair challenge) – 7pm – 9pm
SUNDAY, October 11 (6-chair challenge)- 7pm – 9pm
SUNDAY, October 18 (6-chair challenge) – 7pm – 9pm

JUDGES’ HOUSES – 2 Episodes
SATURDAY, October 24 – 7.30pm – 10pm
SUNDAY, October 25 – 7.30pm – 9pm

LIVE SHOWS – 7 WEEKS, 14 Episodes
SATURDAY, October 31 – 8pm
SUNDAY, November 1 – 8pm

SATURDAY, November 7 – 8pm
SUNDAY, November 8- 8pm

SATURDAY, November 14 – 8pm
SUNDAY, November 15 – 8pm

SATURDAY, November 21 – 8pm
SUNDAY, November 22 – 8pm

SATURDAY, November 28 – 8pm
SUNDAY, November 29 – 8pm

SATURDAY, December 5 – 8pm
SUNDAY, December 6 – 8pm

SATURDAY, December 12 – 8pm
SUNDAY, December 13 – 8pm

About Mateja Praznik 1060 Articles
I recently graduated from the Faculty of Law in Ljubljana, Slovenia. In my free time I like to read books, watch TV and listen to music. I'm also a huge cat lover. I cover X Factor UK for MJsBigBlog.com.