Simon Cowell is the "old uncle" of the 'X Factor' panel.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini

Returning judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini is enjoying this year's contest and thinks fans will enjoy the dynamic between all the mentors, including newcomers Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora.

She said: "Grimmy is a revelation. You are literally going to laugh every second - he's hilarious. Rita has her own way of judging too, and her metaphors are incredible. We've been ganging up on Simon; he's less big brother now and more big uncle."

As the only other returning judge, Cheryl is excited that she has been allowed to have an input on the changes to this year's show, though she is unsure how many of her suggestions will be adopted.

She added: "I'm really excited as I had the opportunity to have a bit more input. Simon and I discussed some changes for the future - let's see how much I get my own way with!

"It'd be fun to mix things up, maybe open it up so that the contestants aren't restricted to a certain genre or that everyone gets one act from each category. It'd be far more exciting.

And the 32-year-old singer is keeping an open mind as to what she thinks the winning act will be like.

She told Closer magazine: "I've stopped looking for a specific act. I'm just waiting for someone to come on stage who makes me feel, 'Yes, that's 'The One'. "