That previously reported celebrity version of X Factor should air in late May - probably in a bid to steal away some of the focus from Channel 4's Big Brother - and also to help build the hype for the third series of the reality pop show, which will kick off in August.
Confirming that a celeb version of the show is in the pipeline, ITV's new Director Of Entertainment And Comedy, Paul Jackson, told reporters: "The X Factor was a runaway success and united the nation in debates over the rights and wrongs of who got voted out each week. We are in discussions with celebrities right now but are keeping some of the elements of the show under wraps."
Cowell, Osbourne and Walsh will all return as judges while Kate Thornton will again present.