On paper, The X Factor: Celebrity could go either way. The most iconic show ever to have graced British television or, well, a complete and utter car crash.
Thankfully, it's the former.
Yep - this winter our favourite telly talent show has replaced its usual wannabes dreaming of pop superstardom (and the odd sponsored social post) with a bunch of very familiar faces hoping to win Simon Cowell, Nicole Scherzinger and Louis Walsh over via their vocal chops.
We're talking Megan McKenna off of TOWIE. We're talking that Kevin McHale chap from Glee. We're talking A LOAD OF LOVE ISLANDERS IN A 'SUPERGROUP'-TYPE SITUATION, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD.
But how well can the contestants actually sing? We've had a sneaky watch of episode 1 and bloody hell, it's good. Let's have a look, shall we?
8 acts you NEED to see on The X Factor: Celebrity
1 of 8Jenny Ryan
Where the hell have you been hiding those lungs, Jenny? The Vixen from ITV telly show The Chase proves she's more than a 'Bolton Brainiac' as she takes on an absolute classic. And smashes it.OUR RATING: 5/5
2 of 8The Islanders
In the group's intro VT, Wes Nelson claims "if you'd asked me, prior to Love Island, to write down what I want to be as a dream job, it'd be a singer." And sing he can. Really frickin' well. Wes, Zara McDermott, Eyal Booker and Samira Mighty might be best known for their time in the villa, but we can totally see them in contention for Christmas number 1. No joke. The harmonies are on point, styling's sick and it's safe to say Samira's Dreamgirls role stood her in good stead.OUR RATING: 4.5/5
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
3 of 8Martin Bashir
Most famous for his 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson and that Princess Diana Panorama interview, 56-year-old Martin is ready for a new 'opportunity.' We don't wanna spoil this one too much, but let's just say it's EMOTIONAL.OUR RATING: 3.5/5
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
4 of 8Max & Harvey
Enough to make us feel approximately 97 years old, social media sensations Max and Harvey Mills are set to send hormones HAYWIRE. Reminiscent of early Justin Bieber, the lads already have a following of over 8 million; and their audition proves why. Is it weird that we're obsessed? Are they old enough to be our kids? WHO CARES?OUR RATING: 4/5
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
5 of 8Hayley Hasselhoff
Yaaaas, queen. Hayley Hasselhoff (think she might have a pretty famous dad...?) is best known as a curve model and her role in ABC Family series Huge. Now, Lewis Capaldi's Somebody You Loved is no easy track to take on; but Hayley's tone is totally radio-friendly and we'd be so here for an album.OUR RATING: 3.5/5
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
6 of 8Cole & Edwards
Where do we even begin with this one? Look, it's Brendan Cole off of Strictly Come Dancing and former Hollyoaks and Holby City star Jeremy Edwards and their audition is exactly as you're imagining it'll play out in your head. Like, EXACTLY.You're in for a fair bit of dad dancing but, we've got to give it to 'em, these two really tried and we're low key obsessed.OUR RATING: 2/5
7 of 8Try Star
Three words: BEN. FODEN'S. CHESTICLES. All will make sense once you've seen it.OUR RATING: 2/5 (one for each chesticle)
.jpg?auto=format&w=1440&q=80)
8 of 8Kevin McHale
You know this one. Kevin starred as Artie Abrams in Glee and is probably gonna fall victim to the whole 'BUT HE'S ALREADY BEEN ON A SINGING SHOW' thing. That doesn't take away from his talent, though; and his rendition of a Camila Cabello classic had us tearing up. This one's gotta get through to the live shows.OUR RATING: 4/5
READ MORE:
The X Factor: Celebrity's The Islanders wanna collaborate with Ed Sheeran. Yep.
The X Factor: Celebrity starts Saturday 12th October at 8.35pm on ITV1. You do not wanna miss it.