X Factor 2015 launch: Cheryl wows as Simon Cowell shows off new beard


August 27, 2015

All eyes were on Cheryl Fernandez-Versini at the launch of The X Factor on Wednesday evening. While head judge Simon Cowell commanded attention with some surprising new facial hair, it was Cheryl who stole the show wearing a stunning floral Balmain dress and barely there heels.

The Fight For This Love singer showed she has well and truly "got her mojo back" as she greeted fans alongside fellow judges Simon and Nick Grimshaw at the Picturehouse Cinema in Central London.

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Cheryl wowed at The X Factor launch

Meanwhile Simon insisted he was not trying to be "down with the kids" with his new facial hair, but explained that it was a result of being "lazy" during his recent holiday with Lauren Silverman and their son Eric.

"I actually got lazy while I was on holiday and I thought I'd keep it. I'm sure it will come off in about a week," Simon said.

© Photo: Getty Images

Simon Cowell said he didn't think his facial hair would last long

The head judge also admitted that he was missing former judge Louis Walsh but stood by his decision to replace him with Radio One DJ Nick.

"I do miss him but it was the right thing to do," Simon confided. "We couldn't keep doing the same thing over and over because it was kind of getting a bit predictable with Louis.

© Photo: Getty Images

Simon Cowell said Nick Grimshaw is doing an "amazing job"

"He's fine. I speak to Louis all the time and he'll do something else. But Nick is doing an amazing job."

The 55-year-old praised his newest recruits earlier this week, saying that Nick has a "fantastic energy" while Rita Ora "belongs with The X Factor". The singer was forced to miss the official launch due to promotional commitments in America, but new hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs attended along with Xtra Factor presenters Rochelle Humes and Melvin Odoom.

The revamped 12 series of The X Factor returns to ITV on Saturday 29 August.

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