Who the judges would be on the UK X Factor of 2011 has been of topical debate for many months. Fans have waited eagerly to learn who would be on the panel and who would not, much of the controversy surrounded Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole as the X Factor launched in the United States for the first time. In the last few weeks it has been announced that Cheryl Cole would take a seat on the US version rather than on the UK show. Simon Cowell would also feature on the judges of the US show and would slim down his role on the UK version. Fans were obviously disappointed learn that the UK X Factor show would be shaping up as a completely different show.

The news that Dannii Minogue will not feature on the judges panel is also likely to add insult to injury for many X Factor fans. Rumours had been mounting regarding the future of Minogue and fellow judge Louis Walsh after it was revealed that neither of them had singed contracts for the 2011 series. An announcement has now been made stating that Minogue has left the X Factor and will not return.

The rumours appear to have been therefore true, especially as her replacement has already been announced. Tulisa a member of the hip hop band N Dubz will now take a seat on the judges panel. This is seen by many as a very strange replacement as Tulisa is currently operating within a band and has very little knowledge in regards to the music industry.

It has been stated that Tulisa will provide a new edge to the judges panel that has not been seen before. This move has come from ITV as they seek to ‘modernise’ this years X Factor show. The producers are keen for a different kind of artist to win the show who will hopefully bring the appeal back.

Who else will be on the judges panel is yet to be announced but several new judges are expected. Rumours have mentioned names including Robbie Williams, Garry Barlow and Lily Allen. Although Allen has recently hit out at the show stating she would never be a part of it.

Speculation is mounting concerned with whether Minogue has stepped down from her post or whether she has been pushed.