ITV announces 'Celebrity X Factor'

ITV has commissioned a celebrity version of The X Factor for transmission this Spring.

The "special event" will air over a number of consecutive nights; most likely at the end of May, in advance of the third series this August.

Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh will all return as judges while Kate Thornton will reprise hosting duties.

"The X Factor was a runaway success and united the nation in debates over the rights and wrongs of who got voted out each week," said Paul Jackson, ITV's newly-appointed director of entertainment and comedy. "We are in discussions with celebrities right now but are keeping some of the elements of the show under wraps."

As with the main series, the celebrity contestants will be divided into three categories - under 25s, over 25s and groups. The groups will be assembled by producers.

"The judges won't know who they are mentoring until the shows start - and then the gloves are off," added Jackson. "It will be a huge treat for viewers to see the celebrities under pressure from Simon Cowell who, as we know, is honest and direct - he certainly doesn't mince his words."

The celebrity version of The X Factor will air instead of the previously proposed reworking of the Pop Idol format.