There's not long to go now until the new series of The X Factor kicks off, keeping us all entertained until Christmas.

Louis Walsh, Tulisa, Nicole Scherzinger and presenter Dermot O'Leary have been taking to the press ahead of the new series which starts on Saturday August 18.

Gary Barlow wasn't present, after pulling out of promotional activity following the tragic death of his daughter Poppy.

All of his colleagues said they are wishing him well, with Louis adding: "We've all been in touch with him. He's a great mentor and we all love him dearly".

Responding to rumours in the press that the group were at loggerheads, Tulisa slammed the reports saying "It's a load of rubbish".

But Louis was more playful, saying: "It's fun! You know when you really like someone you have fun. I did that with Simon and I'm doing it with Tulisa."

Dermot revealed Louis is not so playful during the live shows, as Tulisa admitted that's when the "spats really happen".