The new series of X-Factor kicks off with "a flashback" for a tearful Cheryl Fernandez-Versini when one of her old acts returns in a bid to re-start her career.

The Geordie judge is left wiping away tears at the performance of 25-year-old Amy Connelly, who lost out at the Judges' Houses stage in 2008, and tells her: "That was really beautiful, it was captivating. Honestly, this is like a flashback for me, it's something that you do to me, we just have a connection."

Other acts seeking a connection with Cheryl include Irish singer Ben Quinlan, who presents the former Girls Aloud star with a green rose before serenading her with his version of That's My Goal by previous X Factor winner Shayne Ward.

Less impressive is 42-year-old Skegness hairdresser Jale Antor, who come to her audition dressed as Cheryl in the Fight For This Love video before performing her own unique take on the hit song.

Cheryl is joined on this year's panel by former Spice Girl Mel B, show supremo Simon Cowell and veteran judge Louis Walsh.

Other contestants making their mark early on are sisters Jazzy and Ruby, who perform together as Blonde Electric.

Their eccentric style and version of Jessie J's Do It Like A Dude divides opinion with Cowell admitting he is "fascinated" by them.

He says: "It's like literally you've been invented by Louis in a computer to create the most annoying girl group in the world."