The X Factor 2018 confirms big change to this year’s auditions

The X Factor has ditched the ‘rooms’ and will return to arena auditions for the upcoming 2018 series.

Simon Cowell’s music talent contest has flip-flopped between the two audition types throughout its history.

Room try-outs involve contestants performing solely for the four judges in a private space.

Arenas pose hopefuls the additional challenge of impressing a crowd of thousands in one of the UK’s biggest venues.

Bosses last switched the format in 2016, going back to the rooms.

Now they’ve changed their minds again, with the next series set to feature only arena auditions.

ITV said: “We’re getting out of the room, and back into the Arena!

“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the acts who come to audition, so why not pair up the biggest performance of their lives an incredible Arena atmosphere in front of thousands of people… and the Judges of course.”

Some of The X Factor’s biggest stars – including Olly Murs, One Direction and Little Mix – originally appeared in the arenas.

However, some fans argue that starting the competition in arenas means contestants will have less of a ‘journey’.

Meanwhile, according to The Sun newspaper, arena auditions will be held only in London and Liverpool.

A source said: “Liverpool produced the likes of The Beatles and Echo and the Bunnymen while London is home to current talent including Rita Ora and Stormzy.”

They added: “This latest overhaul is also designed for practical reasons as auditions will now take place in arenas.”

The X Factor will return to ITV this August for its fifteenth series.

Rumours suggest that the judging panel could also be in for a change, with Rita Ora, Mel B and Perrie Edwards all tipped to be joining the show.

It follows reports suggesting that Nicole Scherzinger will be leaving.

Louis Walsh and Sharon Osbourne are both expected to be back, alongside Simon Cowell.

Meanwhile, X Factor applications are currently open to apply to sing in the arenas now.