![From Thames/Syco The X Factor: SR15 on ITV Pictured: Dermot O'Leary. This photograph is (C) Thames/Syco/ITV and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Plc Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itvpictures.co.uk For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052 TL](https://images.immediate.co.uk/volatile/sites/3/2018/09/THE_X_FACTOR_SR15_11-c1b86c6.jpg?quality=45&resize=620,413 "©Thames/Syco/ITV")
It’s back: the cruellest/most entertaining round (depending on your perspective) in The X Factor is returning to wreak havoc again this year. But there’s a new twist in store…
- The X Factor hits peak Robbie Williams on day one – but can the new judges keep viewers coming back?
- Everything you need to know about X Factor 2018
- RadioTimes.com newsletter: get the latest TV and entertainment news direct to your inbox
Here’s everything you need to know…
When is the Six Chair Challenge on TV?
There’s been no announcement about exactly when we’ll see the return of the challenge but it’s usually the round that precedes the Judges’ Houses, which in turn are followed by the live shows.
How does the Six Chair Challenge work?
The Six Chair Challenge whittles down the contestants to six acts per category (Boys, Girls, Groups and Overs). And it’s brutal.
Each act takes to the stage and performs their heart out, with the judge in charge of their category deciding whether the act has ‘won’ one of the six available seats. If they’re not good enough, they’re immediately sent home.
But if they’ve won a seat? Well, they’re still not necessarily safe. That’s because if the relevant judge deems a new singer or group more worthy of a chair, they’ll kick off a seated act to make room.
And this is usually followed by plenty of booing from the audience and tears from the acts (and occasionally the judges). Just imagine one huge dystopian game of musical chairs and you’re basically there.
But there’s a twist…
What is the Golden X?
Remember when we said an act won’t be safe until everyone has performed? That doesn’t apply to an act on the Golden X, a safe seat the relevant judge can offer to an outstanding performer.
If gifted a spot on the Golden X, that act can’t be swapped for another, effectively ensuring they’re through to the next stage.
It’s quite similar to how the Golden Buzzer works in Britain’s Got Talent, with a Golden X act earning an instant place in the Judges’ Houses.
Sign up for the free RadioTimes.com newsletter
from Radio Times https://ift.tt/2N11Fa3
