Simon Cowell checks in on new X Factor judges

Simon Cowell, who quit as judge on the show earlier this year has made a surprise visit to The X Factor London auditions.{jcomments on}

Cowell, who still remains executive producer of the show called in at the O2 Arena in London to surprise the new judging line-up. Only Louis Walsh remains as the original judge after Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue quit the show earlier this year. Pop stars Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos join Louis Walsh for the new series of The X Factor which returns to ITV 1 in August.

Simon Cowell left the judging position to take up a role on The X Factor in America, which will be on at the same time as its British counterpart. Cheryl Cole moved from the UK version to judge in America, although was axed and replaced by Nicole Scherzinger. Former T4 host Steve Jones will present the American X Factor which will air on FOX.