X Factor: What's going on?

The X Factor auditions are due to start next month but it is thought so far no judges have been confirmed.

According to reports, producers are a little panicked as Cheryl Cole, Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue and Louis Walsh have not been signed yet and neither has host Dermot O'Leary.

It is thought plans for the British show are behind schedule as Simon focuses all his efforts on the US version, due to start towards the end of 2011.

Cheryl and Dermot are both believed to be in the running for slots on the American series, while Simon is the only definite panelist at this stage.

Bosses of the UK show have offered to fly Simon back and forth during the week so he can be involved with both shows.

Meanwhile, Irish auditions are being dropped this year with the judges only seeing hopefuls in Cardiff, London, Liverpool, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester.