Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw join Cheryl Fernandez-Versini and Simon Cowell as X Factor judges

Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora have joined Cheryl Fernandez-Versini on the X Factor judging panel

Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora will join the X Factor as judges when the show returns later this year.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will also return to the judging panel, alongside show creator Simon Cowell.

An ITV press release announcing the new judges made no mention of Louis Walsh, a longstanding judge on the show.

The 62-year-old joined the show's judging panel in 2004 but recent reports have suggested he was set to be replaced on the show.

Former Spice Girl Mel B was also a judge alongside Cowell, Walsh and Fernandez-Versini on last year's show.

The 2014 judges line-up: Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh Credit: ITV/X Factor

Popstar Ora, who first appeared on the show in 2012 as a guest judge, will leave BBC show The Voice to take her seat on the panel.

"I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor - I had a ball here in 2012," she said. "This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. Its the new generation taking over. Booooom"

Grimshaw, who will stay at the helm of Radio 1's breakfast show while appearing on the ITV talent show, said: "I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I'm hugely excited to be joining the show. Music is my job and my passion and I'm really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can't wait for Judges Houses in Oldham!"

Fernandez-Versini tweeted a picture of her with two of her fellow judges:

Fernandez-Versini said: "I haven't been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge. The addition of Rita and Grimmy along with some interesting changes we've made to the format has refocused us to do what we do best, finding talent and making stars. I cannot wait to get started!”

Cowell added: "It’s taken a while! But I am very happy to be able to confirm our line-up of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun! They all bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion for music to the show."