X Factor auditions in Cardiff

It only seems like yesterday since Little Mix were crowned winners of the X Factor 2011. But just months later, one of ITV's most popular shows is back and on the hunt for the next big star.

Thousands of new hopefuls in Wales are being given the chance to prove they have what it takes this week to make it through to the live finals later this year.

The first round of auditions in Wales are being held at the Cardiff City Stadium on Monday 26.

There are four categories this year, the groups, the girls, the boys and the over 26s. Last year Little Mix were the first group to ever win the show.

North Wales singer Sami Brookes flew the flag for Wales last year and made it through to the live shows. But she was knocked out after just a few weeks in the final stages of the competition.

Fans will be keen to see how the relatively new set of judges will get on this year, if they all return to the panel.

X Factor boss Simon Cowell decided to shake up the show last year by replacing Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue as judges. He brought in Destiny's Child singer Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos from N Dubz.

Simon also decided to step down as a judge and replaced himself with Take That star Gary Barlow. All three new judges are expected to be back this year, along with favourite Louis Walsh.