X Factor judges through historyPublished28 August 2016Image source, PAImage caption, The original Mr Nasty, Simon Cowell, was a judge on the X Factor when it first started back in 2004. And he's been in the judges seat for every series apart from series eight, nine and 10, when he left to concentrate on the American version of X Factor. He came back with a bang in 2014, mentoring the eventual winner Ben Haenow.Image source, PAImage caption, Music manager Sharon Osbourne judged alongside Simon from the first series and continued for four series, until Cheryl Fernandez-Versini took her place. Like all good X Factor judges, she returned a few years later in series 10, and once again for the latest series.Image source, PAImage caption, Louis Walsh was one of the original panel members, alongside Simon and Sharon, and has only missed one series - the 12th. He's back this year and he'll be hoping for more success than before - he's only ever mentored one winning act, Shane Ward.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Dannii Minogue joined the judging line up back in series two but left after series seven, to be replaced by Tulisa. She backed a couple of winners during her time on the X Factor - Matt Cardle in 2010 and Leon Jackson in 2007.Image source, ReutersImage caption, Cheryl Cole (Fernandez-Versini) replaced Sharon Osbourne in 2008 - and she won the competition on her very first series, by mentoring Alexandra Burke. She left with Simon Cowell after series seven to concentrate on the American X Factor, but came back again in 2014. She's not judging this year - but it's probably not the last time we'll be seeing Cheryl on the X Factor.Image source, PAImage caption, Gary Barlow had big boots to fill when he replaced Simon Cowell in 2011 for three series. Poor Gary never managed to mentor a winner!Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, US singer Kelly Rowland joined for just one series in 2011 and was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Tulisa joined at the same time as Kelly Rowland in 2011, but stayed as a judge for two series. While she was there, she mentored Little Mix, who won in 2011.Image source, PAImage caption, Former member of the band the Pussycat Dolls, Nicole Scherzinger became a judge in 2012, after she'd been a guest judge a couple of years earlier. She stayed for a couple of years - but returns this year with Simon, Louis and Sharon.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Mel B, who used to be in the Spice Girls, replaced Sharon Osbourne for the 11th series, and will also be guest judging in this series.Image caption, Radio 1 DJ Nick Grimshaw judged for one series in 2015, where he mentored the boys - with his act Che Chesterman finishing in third place.Image caption, Pop star Rita Ora joined Nick Grimshaw in the judging line up last year, winning with her act Louisa Johnson w. Rita's a one hit wonder on the X Factor though - only staying for one series.More on this storyWhat's going on at The X Factor? Video, 00:01:22What's going on at The X Factor?Published22 February 20161:22Cheryl leaves The X Factor - againPublished5 April 2016Who should replace Grimmy on X Factor?Published20 February 2016