Celebrity X Factor ‘to hold auditions at Simon Cowell’s LA mansion’

Auditions for The X Factor’s celebrity series are set to be hosted at Simon Cowell’s LA mansion.

Simon Cowell previously revealed plans to postpone the sixteenth regular series of the singing contest in favour of two spin-offs.

One will be a ‘champions’ edition featuring fan favourites from past years, while the other will feature celebrity contestants.

Now according to the Daily Star newspaper, auditions for the Celebrity X Factor will be held in LA at Simon’s own house.

“Producers think this would make the series extra glitzy, which seems appropriate given the contestants will be celebs,” a source told the tabloid.

They added: “Viewers are used to seeing auditions being held in chilly British cities. So having it against the backdrop of the LA sunshine would make things feel fresh and exciting.”

The newspaper says that filming for the show is due to kick off in July.

As yet exact details from potential contestants and judges to the format have to be confirmed.

Rumour has it that Simon could be joined on the panel by some familiar faces from past series, after Robbie and Ayda Williams both quit.

Louis Walsh has been tipped to return together with the likes of Cheryl, Sharon Osbourne and Nicole Scherzinger.

Contestants linked to the series have included Gemma Collins and her boyfriend James Arg Argent.

Gemma previously shocked viewers of BBC One’s All Together Now with a surprisingly good performance on its Christmas special.

Another hopeful name is none other than Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams.

Simon said: “I think David [Walliams] might enter, ­seriously, that would be amazing.”

And it’s not just for fun: The winner is set to scoop a record deal – just like the regular version.

They’ll also compete for the Christmas Number 1 spot, something The X Factor has failed to get close to in recent years.

It’s expected both Celebrity X Factor and its All Stars spin-off will air in the autumn on ITV.