Manchester X-Factor final

The final of the X Factor is to be staged outside London for the first time.

Show bosses will take the ITV1 show to Manchester for the climax of the series, which will take place in December.

Last year the event was staged in a huge venue for the first time, with thousands watching at Wembley Arena rather than Fountain Studios which has been the home of the show for many years.

This year's finale of the talent hunt will take place at Manchester Central.

Judges Gary Barlow, Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa and Louis Walsh will all decamp to the city for the crowning of the winner.