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:
Geri to judge
Ginger Spice to
guest on the panel
"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.
"HeÂ’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 KayÂ’s BritainÂ’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.