Louis Walsh has revealed that the X Factor auditions are going "great".

The Irish music manager joined fellow judges Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Mel B as the first round of auditions for the ITV singing show kicked off.

"The first session went well. It was great. We're going to get the fun back in the show," he told The Sun.

Louis revealed that there hasn't been any animosity or awkwardness between Spice Girl Mel B and Cheryl.

"It's all going great. It's fun and I think both of the girls will get on well. Simon is on top form and the talent is all good, with all new faces," he added.

Meanwhile, Cheryl had a dig at Simon about his punctuality when she posted a photo of the other three judges - minus the TV mogul - on the second day of the Manchester auditions on Twitter.

"Cheryl, Louis and @OfficialMelB at day two of the Manchester auditions #XFactor. The judging line up for the day... Man down!!! #wheresSimon?! #whereswally," she wrote in the post, which was later taken down.

For the second series in a row, contestants will take part in a two-stage audition process, which begins with singing in the judges' rooms.

Successful acts will then go on to perform again for the panel and a live audience at the arena auditions in London.