The X Factor UK Live Final To Take Place In Manchester For The First Time

13 August 2012, 10:37 | Updated: 13 August 2012, 10:49

The ITV1 show's upcoming series finale will not be held in London for the first time ever.

The X Factor UK's live final has been moved to Manchester this year for the first time in the ITV show's nine year history.

The previous series of the popular reality series, which saw Little Mix crowd The X Factor 2011 champions, took place at Wembely Arena, however this year's series will climax with a live show at Manchester Central.

"Our Live Final is going to be another major event - so The X Factor 2012 has everything!' judge Louis Walsh said in a statement announcing the news. "I believe it's going to be our best series yet."

The live final traditionally takes place in December each year and sees the final three contestants battling it out to be crowded the show's champion, winning a recording contract in the process.

View a picture of Tulisa Contostavlos at the live auditions for The X Factor earlier this year below (Credit: PA):

The new series of The X Factor UK sees new judge Nicole Scherzinger joining returning panelists Gary Barlow and Tulisa Contostavlos, who are in their second year on the show, while longtime judge Louis Walsh will also be back on the judging panel.

The X Factor UK is due to begin airing this Saturday (18th August) with a 75-minute launch show from 8pm on ITV1.