Peter's got the X Factor

Geri to judgeGinger Spice toguest on the panel

Kay will entertain audiences at day one of auditions...

While the X Factor is still without a permanent fourth judge, the show has found a new star to delight auditionees.

Comedian Peter Kay is joining the competition in Liverpool on 23 May to entertain the audience before the auditions kick off.

The Bolton-born funnyman is believed to have personally asked show bosses if he could get involved.

An insider told The Sun:

"Peter loves reality TV. He is also good mates with Gary and wanted to have a taste of it. He rang up the producers on the show and asked to be part of the team in Liverpool.

"He’ll do a few gags and he may even throw in a Take That number."

Peter, a friend of judge Gary Barlow, is a well-known lover of reality TV and famously spoofed it for his show Peter Kay’s Britain’s Got The Pop Factor... And Possibly A New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice.

Last year, Barlow surprised the comedian at his sold-out gig in Manchester, by joining him on stage and singing a duet of Never Forget in front of the 15,000 strong audience.

The first day of auditions for the X Factor 2012 begin in Liverpool on 23 May with guest judge, Geri Halliwell sitting alongside Gary, Louis Walsh and Tulisa Contostavlos.