The X Factor. Is. Back.

It seems like we’ve been teased with adverts (and we must say what bloody excellent adverts they were) for the return of The X Factor for months now, well the time has finally arrived. It’s Time To Face The Music!

Tonight it returns with the star-studded trio of Take That's Gary Barlow, Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger and old-time favourite Mr Louis Walsh. We also see the return of original judge Queen Sharon Osbourne: cackling and water throwing included! She’s even diversified with some pen throwing this year.

Due to poor ratings last year - who doesn't watch X Factor? - Cowell - who says the show is 'his baby' - has decided to shuffle up the format. It’s the return of the intimate closed-room auditions that avid X Factor fans have welcomed with open arms, no more playing up to the audience and listening to their applause, just their voices and the four judges in front of them.

According to Nicole we could be seeing our potential winner in tonights show “There's someone very special. She is where it’s at. She is unbelievable, she’s a prison warden and completely unassuming. There isn’t anything she can’t sing. She was the first one to bring to tears to my eyes.” - 

Sam Bailey from Leicester

Here’s a few others to watch out for tonight…

Silver Rock, they met just over a week before their audition.

Hannah Barrett

J-Star Valentine – if that’s his real name then his parents had him pegged for stardom.

Jan Muir gets Nicole on her feet.

Alejandro Fernandez-Holt

Cristian Grigore Spiridon - he doesn't have any trousers on

Fil 'with-an-F' Henley

Be prepared for the good, the bad and the bizarre

Don’t forget to catch the return of the X Factor on ITV from 8pm tonight, and for more exclusive behind the scenes gossip on our new hopefuls, catch Caroline Flack and Matt Richardson on ITV2’s The Xtra Factor from 9.20pm

Tweet along with us every week @ItsBizLive and check back for our weekly blogs packed full with the opinions of genuine X Factor fans.

Match Previews

West Ham United vs. Stoke City

Upton Park - Kick-Off 3:00pm - Updates on BBC 5Live from 3:00pm

West Ham will be looking to extend this season’s unbeaten and clean-sheet run in the league with victory over Stoke, while The Potters will be hoping to keep their first clean sheet of the season under Mark Hughes. But the reality is, there haven’t been any 0-0 draws in the Premier League between the sides, with nine goals scored in the last 5 league meetings.

Both teams claimed victories in the Capital One Cup this week (or the League Cup to normal people), with Allardyce’s team clinging on to beat Cheltenham Town 2-1, while Stoke striker Kenwyne Jones netted a hat-trick to help sink Walsall 3-1. The Hammers will now face Cardiff City at home, with Stoke facing a trip to Tranmere Rovers.

The Potters have signed Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi on a season-long loan this week as Hughes looks to add pace to his team, and create more chances, while Werder Bremen striker Aaron Hunt was also at The Britannia to watch the cup match on Wednesday ahead of a proposed move.

West Ham haven’t added any further signings since the arrival of Stewart Downing, but with such a solid start to the season, there’s been no need to. Allardyce will be hoping to have England striker Andy Carroll fit for the season with just Modibo Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te to replace him.

Team News

Allardyce is likely to make 11 changes to the team that started mid-week against Cheltenham, with Jaaskelainen due to return in goal, and Maiga retaining his place up front in place of the injured Andy Carroll.

Key Player: Kevin Nolan - The English midfielder is hoping to prove a point this season in a last-ditch attempt to impress the England hierarchy, but international player or not, he thrives off terrorising defences.

Mark Hughes will bring back the likes of Asmir Begovic, Steven N’Zonzi, Marc Wilson, Geoff Cameron, Erik Pieters and Jonathan Walters to the starting line-up after they were rested or used as substitutes against Walsall, while Jones could retain his starting place after Wednesday’s hat-trick. Wilson Palacios and Brek Shea are available after injury, but are unlikely to feature.

Key Player: Asmir Begovic - two impressive displays this season have been hampered by 2 goals conceded, but the Bosnian will be vital in the Stoke line-up. Arsenal sent scouts to watch him play on Wednesday night, only to find out he wasn’t even in the squad!

Prediction: 2-1 - West Ham’s confidence will be really high as they continue this streak, and I wouldn’t expect that to end here. With 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 4 against Stoke, and The Potters’ abysmal away record, I can’t see much past a home victory, although Stoke could pinch a goal.

By @willtm10

Arsenal V Tottenham

This promises to be a great encounter between the North London rivals, in fact this clash has averaged over 5 goals in the last seven meetings. Add to that Spurs' newly arrived firepower and Arsenal's ongoing defensive frailties and we could see goals again. The Gunners aren't short of a goal threat themselves putting three past Fenerbache and Fulham in their last two games and Giroud looks to be continuing his fine form.

This game is huge for obvious reasons but more for Wenger than anyone one else. With pressure now being applied by the club's fans more than ever regarding Arsenal's lack of activity in the transfer market yet again. If Arsenal are well beaten here that pressure could reach fever pitch at the Emirates.

With both sides playing an offensive style it's likely to be the team that stays the most solid in the centre of midfield and at the back that prevails. Good news on that score for Arsenal is Kosielny is set to return and 'new' signing Flamini may also feature.

Spurs are sure to be in confident mood given their excellent start to the season and the general feel good factor around the club right now. That said, they have only scored from the penalty spot in their two victories so far with new front man Soldado netting both. How well Arsenal's full backs can deal with the Spurs wing threat and their centre back's with Soldado's strength and movement could go a long way to deciding the outcome. If the game does remain tight then AVB's side surely have the better attacking options to bring off the bench, even more so if new signing Erik Lamela makes the squad.

One thing is almost certain, we could be witnessing another North London classic.

By @chrish5244

CBB - Live Eviction Twist

Tonight we'll find out who the first celebrity housemate is to be booted out the front door. But that's not all...

Its TWIST time (yes again) After the LIVE eviction the two saved housemates will be called to the diary room where they will jointly nomination one housemate to face the next eviction (on Friday). The rest of the housemates will see everything that's said on the plasma screen! Cue the drama!! Nominations for the remaining housemates will then take place in the traditional way.

Also in tonights show...

Charlotte wakes up to find she's wet the bed.

Lauren turns hair stylist once again.

The shopping task continues, housemates bathe in pairs in tubs which consist of curry, fish heads, sour milk, green food dye and maggots... lovely. Mario and Carol then face the final part of the task in order to win the luxury budget.

Tune in to Channel 5 tonight at 9pm.

Outside The Box - ... Of The Week

Ben Foster made some outstanding saves against Everton to keep West Brom in the match. Today is was confirmed Foster has a stress fracture in his foot and will be sidelined for up to 12 weeks.

Ivanovic was key in Chelsea’s back line in preventing Man United making a break through. Resolute performance.

Vertonghen looked like a machine at the back for Spurs. Quickly becoming one of the best and most feared centre half's in the Premier League.

Ryan Shawcross makes in into our TOTW despite a shocking first half performance, in which his mistake allowed Crystal Palace to score, he turned it around and was easily MOTM in the second half, including scoring the winning goal.

Kolo Touré made some fantastic tackles to keep Aston Villa out and away, including a last minute challenge to prevent Benteke opening up.

Carrick controlled the midfield for the majority of the game.

Gerrard stopped Aston Villa playing down the middle, was where he needed to be. A typical Gerrard performance.

Ramsey is fast becoming one of Arsenals key players, putting in another impressive and controlled performance.

Podolski looked clinical and sharp, showing his critics exactly what he is capable of.

Sturridge scored a great goal, lovely quick feet to out fox the Aston Villa defence.

Frazier Campbell. He got the vital goals for Cardiff and caused the Man City defence havoc.

Goal Of The Week

Daniel Sturridge

Agree? Disagree? Let us know in the comments or over on Twitter @ItsBizLIVE

Luke Carson - 1000 Dreams.

1000 DREAMS - IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THIS - COMMONWEALTH GAMES GLASGOW 2014

You may remember we introduced you to Luke Carson last week in our latest Man Candy feature, since then Luke has had all his funding cut. Having just qualified for the World Championships and already having qualified for the Commonwealth Games, this lack of funding will have a devastating effect on his preparation making is near impossible for him to train full-time, something incomprehensible for an elite athlete. In association with Machine Fitness Luke will be relying on donations to fund his regimented training regime. Every penny donated will go to funding Luke’s dreams. Here’s everything explained in Luke’s own words…

“The last year has been completely filled with a vast range of emotions!

I was selected to compete for my country at European and World level and then began trailing for London 2012 Olympic games.

After sustaining a fractured tibia and going through major surgery on my leg I heard I might not ever be able to train on my leg again but now this year after winning the Irish champion title and Northern Irish champion title and then also Qualifying for next years Commonwealth Games I am fighting through and now have been selected once again to compete for my country at World championships this September which is a true honour and real milestone.

As you could imagine it has been an extremely trailing year emotionally and physically, battling with adversity and myself in and out of the gym, to now being told all of my funding has been cut.  

I now have no income what so ever and am completely relying on savings to support myself to train, pay rent, pay gym fees, food costs, travel costs etc. This is on top of everything else is soul destroying and making an already hard lifestyle even harder. 

I am now fitter and stronger than I have ever been before both mentally and physically but being able to train and pay for living costs is simply impossible. I have already qualified for next years Commonwealth games but it now seems very unlikely I will even be able to train up to that point without some financial aid from somewhere.

I'm paying in the range of £1k per month to train full time and live in Huntingdon UK.

Any support/funding I can get will fuel my hopes and dreams of Competing at the Commonwealth games next year and making history for my country.

Anybody who is willing to donate/subscribe to my cause no matter how big or small can be assured that their money will 100% be going to simply enabling me to train full time, help pay rent and help pay gym fees.

Luke Carson....”

If you'd like to help Luke on his road to Glasgow and come through where the men in suits failed just click the DONATE button on his blog.

www.machine-fitness.com/blogs/luke-carson

The MTV VMA's 2013

The 2013 MTV, Video Music Awards, known as the VMA's took place last night at the Barclay's Center in Brooklyn. The 30th instalment of the annual awards certainly didn't lack star studded performances or headline grabbing shocks...

The MTV VMAs 2013 winners

Video Of The Year: Justin Timberlake, Mirrors.

Best Female Video: Taylor Swift, I Knew You Were Trouble.

Best Male Video: Bruno Mars, Locked Out Of Heaven

Best Pop Video: Selena Gomez, Come & Get It

Best Hip-Hop Video: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Featuring Ray Dalton, Can't Hold Us.

Best Rock Video: Thirty Seconds To Mars, Up In The Air.

Best Collaboration: Pink and Nate Ruess of Fun., Just Give Me A Reason.

Best Video With A Social Message: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert, Same Love

Best Song Of The Summer: One Direction, Best Song Ever.

Artist To Watch: Austin Mahone, What About Love.

Micheal Jackson Video Vanguard Award: Justin Timberlake.

Best Direction: Justin Timberlake's Suit & Tie (director David Fincher)

Best Visual Effects: Capital Cities, Safe and Sound.

Best Choreography: Bruno Mars, Treasure.

Best Art Direction: Janelle Monae featuring Erykah Badu, Q.U.E.E.N.

Best Cinematography: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Ray Dalton, Can't Hold Us.

Best Editing: Justin Timberlake, Mirrors.

The Gossip

Taylor Swift continued her trend of taking digs at her ex boyfriend One Direction member Harry Styles.  She back-handedly thanked the 1D star for their failed romance, after she received the award for Best Female Video at the VMAs.

Taylor was given the award for her song I Knew You Were Trouble, which was allegedly penned with Mr. Styles in mind. After being presented with her astronaut trophy by Pharrell Williams and Daft Punk, Taylor took the opportunity to take a swipe at her teenage ex boyfriend, 'I want to thank the fans because I tweeted about this a lot, I really wanted this' she said, she then goes on to add ' I also want to thank the person who inspired this song because he knows exactly who he is, because now I've got one of these', Awkward. The camera quickly panned to a awkward and slightly embarrassed looking Harry Styles. But this wasn't the only odd moment for Taylor, One Direction presented the award for Best Pop Video, and when the boys walked on stage, Taylor apparently mouthed the words 'Shut the f*** up'. It's unclear if those were her actually words, but she's consistent with her swipes at poor old Harry.

NSYNC ARE BACK – NO OTHER WORDS NEEDED!!

Ed Sheeran and Ellie Goulding. She's rumoured to be dating Niall Horan from One Direction,  but last night saw Ellie Goulding and Ed Sheeran getting very close with each other!! Ed may share the stage with Taylor Swift, but when he's in the audience, he's got another blonde on his arm. Ed was seen getting touchy with pop star Ellie Goulding at the VMAs, but this Public display of affection doesn't mean they are an item!! Oh no.

Ed, 22 and Ellie 26, were caught a couple of times on camera getting a little cosy with one another. One instance, Ed has his hand on Ellie's leg and in another shot, the two are seen holding hands. Since then Ellie has tweeted that this is apparently what friends do!!

Miley Cyrus! As if she hasn't shocked us enough as of late, she's only gone and done it again!! The star has well and truly ditched her Disney image. Miley Cyrus performed her hit single 'We Can't Stop' at the VMAs with a parade of giant bears. The ex Disney star performed her racy song, in a silver sequined leotard, with an image of a bear on it. After 'We Can't Stop,' Robin Thicke, Kendrick Lamar and 2 Chainz took to the stage and performed 'Blurred Lines' with Miley. 

She twerked her way around the stage, wearing a flesh-toned plastic bikini with a foam 'We're No.1' hand, whilst gyrating on Robin Thicke which shocked the star-studded audience including the Smith family, Will, Jada, Jaden and Willow were showed looking on in shock!! It was defiantly one of the night's most talked-about moment. With many expressing shock, specifically the Smith family, their reaction was caught on camera, and it is brilliant, and others applauding the singers wild antics. We get she's trying to ditch the good girl image, but is this the right way to go about it??

The Outfits.

Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus are three of the biggest females pop stars in the world, so it's no surprise that these three were determined to make their own individual stamp in the fashion stakes.

The trio chose three very different outfits for this event. Gaga opted for non-eccentric black PVC evening gown, which was quite tame for Gaga, as we are so use to seeing her in garish, over the top outfits. However the singer did show of a lot of cleavage as she arrived at the Barclay's Center in New York.

Mean while, Katy Perry was seen wearing a leopard dress complete with gold dragonfly detailing and a thigh-hit slit. Katy teamed her distinctive dress with black and gold sandal and hair tied into a high ponytail for the event. Katy was also seen sporting a pair of multi-coloured grills just to complete her outfit.

However Miley Cyrus rocked up on the red carpet in a pair of high waisted leggings embellished with colour beading and a cropped top to match, showing the young singers toned stomach. Miley wore her hair in what only can be described as pigtail buns. The singer changed her outfit to a much a more revealing number as she performed with Robin Thicke, which was greeted by gasps from the star-studded audience.

Other stars on the red carpet were Taylor Swift who was channeling her inner Marilyn Monroe, with her hair done in delicate blonde curls and her statement red lip. Completing the country singer's old Hollywood '50s ensemble was a black gown featuring a plunging neckline.

Ellie Goulding opted for a white and silver spiky dress for the event. Whilst Rita Ora wore a disastrous Long feather trained with a jeweled top with a plunging neckline! The One Direction boys, kept it smart/casual but still looking gorgeous.

But some stars went to the extreme and instead opted for trashy, tacky frocks and flashing their flesh and the MTV Video Music Awards last night.

Ex-Victoria's Secret model Erin Wasson, just wore a mesh dress covering her underwear. Whilst pop star Selena Gomez opted for a unbuttoned floor length gown, complete with a cut out bustier. Whilst Lil Kim wore a shiny, holey cut out jumpsuit with garish yellow boots!

Tune in to MTV tonight at 9pm to watch all the action.

By @K_Johnson20

Outside The Box - Top 5 Stories Of The Week

1. Transfer News Everywhere But Not A Signing In Sight

This week has again been all about the transfers that haven’t happened. Manchester United put in a bid of £28 million for Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini, the Bale sage rumbled on, Arsenal are getting linked to everyone but signing no one and Rooney still hasn’t had his future decided.

Starting with Manchester United, I’ve heard of cheeky bids, but when David Moyes states that he won’t let Leighton Baines alone go for less than £25 million just over 6 months ago and then comes in with a bid like that, it makes you wonder if they really thought they would get their men for that price or if David Moyes knows Everton need the money…….

The Gareth Bale saga seems like it’s very close to coming to a conclusion with Real Madrid getting their man for £90million+ in what will become the most expensive transfer of any player in the world. Will Gareth Bale be worth it? I’ve seen the man change a game by himself at both domestic and on the international stage with, no disrespect to Spurs or Wales, a mediocre average teams. Playing with the stars at the level of Real Madrid could be frightening. Rumours surfaced today of another team joining in the bid for the welsh wonders signature, expect the saga to continue.

Speaking of Real Madrid, Arsenal have been heavily linked with Angel Di Maria & Karim Benzema. I’m not an Arsenal fan at all, but I would love to see them pull off these two transfers as I think these two players would light up the Premier League and would be exciting to watch. I also think these two could be the missing pieces that push Arsenal towards the top again.

As I write this, the transfer deadline is in a weeks’ time, and I firmly believe it will be the most hectic deadline day in history. With big clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd not making their usual big money signing yet, I honestly think we will see 100’s of millions exchange. When you also factor in clubs like my beloved Cardiff City with huge bank balances of their own at the moment, I can see a lot of activity. It’s going to be exciting for football fans. I know I won’t get any work done that day.

2. QPR announce plans for a new stadium

QPR have announced plans for a new stadium just north of where their current home of Loftus Road is, which will be in a redeveloped area around where a new central station for London linking the capital and Birmingham with a high speed rail service project will be built.

I think it’s a bit of a shame to be honest, but I understand the need for it. I’m very much a traditionalist when it comes to football, and I love Loftus Road because it is a traditional ground where you are literally on top of the players, but at the same time, anyone who has been to Loftus Road know where the location is, there’s no chance of redevelopment.

From my own experience, I know how long it takes to even have the first brick laid for a new stadium so it might never come to pass for another 10 years, but it’s exciting times for the hoops fans.

3. The crazy whacky world of football

Barry Fry, the eccentric but passionate, chairmen of Peterborough United, helped deliver the baby of his daughter and ex-Peterborough and now Brighton striker Craig Mackail-Smith.

The mind boggles how the crazy man of football kept his cool in the situation but I’m glad everything turned out ok for all concerned.

Non-league Merthyr Tydfil this week created some headlines by renaming their ground with a new sponsor. Nothing new in that I hear you say, until you realise the new sponsors are e-cigarettes and they have renamed their stadium Cigg-E.

In my opinion cigarettes have no place in football, electronic or otherwise, but at the same time, anyone who has followed Merthyr’s financial problems over the years know they were desperate for money, so perhaps moral’s on this occasion can go flying out of the window.

4. Anelka Does An Anelka

In some more strange news from the life and times of Nicholas Anelka, he is supposedly close to retiring from the game of football, after one game with West Brom, after the sad passing of his long term agent.

Right, I know I have to be delicate here as the passing of anyone is a sad occasion, and I want to state straight away that there is no disrespect meant in anyway, but Anelka needs to grow up. I can imagine it came as a huge shock and I completely understand the need to take time off to mourn and get yourself mentally right to continue your career, but to walk out of training and tell your new club that you are done is just childish.

In contrast, Jonathan Woodgate’s father passed away and he was back playing for his club the next day. I know people grieve in different ways, but Anelka has shown his lack of maturity once again.

5. Incredible Result, Incredible Day

Did you think I would write my top 5 stories of the week without mentioning my result of the week?! “Little Cardiff City” beat the mighty Manchester City 3-2 in for me was the greatest footballing moment of my life. I know it’s not a huge moment to the football community, but I hope you will understand why it’s a huge moment for me.

I turned up at the ground yesterday and would have been happy with only a 2-0 loss, seriously. It’s not that I didn’t have faith in my club, but I didn’t think we were quite up to Premier League pace. As soon as the game started I was star struck, looking at the likes of Silva, Aguero, Toure playing on the field in front of me.

I can’t even begin to put into words the emotions that went through me as we first went 1-0 down, and then came back with a triple punch to make it 3-1. I can only say, in 25 years of watching football, I have never ever felt so much elation and euphoria. When I’m 70 I know this will a day that sticks out in my mind, and I’ll be boring the hell out of my grand children.

I know one of the complaints that has been levelled is that all the stats pointed towards Manchester City domination, I would say to them, not all the stats pointed towards a Manchester City win…..the most important stat of all was in Cardiff’s favour.

Other results in the Premier league over the weekend saw wins for Arsenal, Spurs , Hull, Stoke and Liverpool. Tonight also sees the first titanic battle in the Premier League this year when Manchester United take on Chelsea.

By @haydngleed

CBB - Coming Up...

Coming up on tonights highlights show (30th)...

Housemates are punished for discussing nominations. Bye Bye luxury food, hello basic rations.

Courtney has a slumber party with Dustin for her Birthday.

The random task generator task - Scotch bonnets, mankini's, national anthems, wet fish...

Quote of the episode - Big Brother “This is Big Brother housemates are reminded they must not share medication. Would Lauren please come to the diary room…(To Lauren in the diary room) Big Brother is worried you may have just given some medication to Courtney.”

Coming up on tonights highlights show (29th)...

Ron & Vicky choose to nominate Louie after they're saved from eviction.

The rest of the housemates nominate. Charlotte, Lauren, Louie, Courtney and Ron face tomorrow nights (Fridays) eviction.

Carol isn't keen on Sophie consoling a teary Charlotte and isn't bothered she's nominated calling Charlotte a "Geordie sl*g"

Dustin predicts a storms brewing.

Quote of the episode - Charlotte “I knew this would happen it has made us feel like I have had my heart torn out, and stepped on, then eaten by a dog, and s**t out, then clean up by someone whose on community service, then put in a bin bag to be put on a massive pile of skip heap. A long process but very bad. And it’s all because I wee’d myself.”

Coming up on tonights highlights show (25th)...

The Cult of Celebrity make another shortlist of potential nominees before choosing the 2nd person to face the public vote.

Task Time - Big Brother thought they'd help the housemates get to know each other.

Coming up on tonights highlights show...

A recap of last nights 'Big Twist' (the term big is used fairly loosely) 

Charlotte doesn't react too well to the news Ron will face the first eviction. Charlotte 1 - 0 Cake.

Mario and Carol... drunken flirting.

A Lauren Harries exercise routine (Exercise DVD is in the bag)

Breakfast time for Charlotte

Charlotte 1 - 0 Cake

Bring on the Lauren Harries exercise DVD.