First celeb 'X Factor' contestants confirmed

Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles and Page 3 girl Michelle Marsh are among the names confirmed for the upcoming celebrity version of The X Factor.

Battle of the Stars will follow a similar format to the regular series, with an initial nine acts divided into three categories - 16-24s, over 25s and groups. Each category will be mentored by one of the three judges - Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne - although who gets which category won't be revealed until the first episode.

Beginning next Monday (May 29), the show will air at 9pm over eight consecutive nights on ITV1 and ITV2. The contestants will have to perform a new song every night to avoid being voted off.

The five acts confirmed so far include Moyles (over 25s), Marsh (16-24s), ex-EastEnders actress Lucy Benjamin (over 25s), celebrity dietician Gillian McKeith (over 25s) and husband-and-wife team Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee (groups).

The remaining acts are expected to be announced later this week.