Cheryl Cole And Rita Ora Do Colour-Blocking For First X Factor Auditions

The X Factor auditions kicked off today in Manchester and so began the fash-off betwen judges Cheryl Fernandez Versini and Rita Ora. Arriving after fellow judge Nick Grimshaw, both Rita and Cheryl opted for colour-block looks.

Cheryl - who celebrated her first anniversary with husband Jean-Bernard Fernandez Versini yesterday - went for a sleek yet statement look, matching a cropped Mugler top with eyelet detail and a pair of high-waisted Roland Mouret trousers with simple black strappy sandals. Meanwhile, Rita went all out for red, matching the crimson carpet in an asymmetric dress with cutout neckline with a pair of PVC over the knee boots. Both ladies were clearly keen to kick off the auditions on a daring note.

Cheryl returns to the panel after a year's hiatus, while Rita joins Nick Grimshaw as a newcomer, replacing Louis Walsh and Mel B. Auditions for the show were due to start on Monday, but were postponed after the news Simon Cowell's mother, Julie Cowell, had passed away at age 89.