TV pick: Rita Ora talks X Factor UK

Singer Rita Ora is now a X Factor UK judge.

The twelfth season of the original British version of the show features newcomer Rita Ora on the judging panel alongside Simon Cowell. Here's some thoughts the star had about her regular television gig.

How did you joining the show come about?

I was all about timing for me. X Factor is a big deal to me, I wanted to make sure I was ready for it. There was a lot to do with my schedule, my music career and all that. I wanted to make sure the focus is fair on each job I take on. I'm a fan of it, I always have been. Being a guest judge in 2012 was so much fun and I missed that.

Did you have any reservations about doing the show?

For me, it's not about us, it's not about the judges, it's about the contestants. If I can help them, then I want to make sure I can do a good job. Is my experience enough? Will I have enough time? All those questions were going through my head and we made it work. Being a 24-year-old in the now, still releasing music while being on X Factor, is very helpful for the contestants.

You have a tough moment in an early show when one girl, who you went to school with, auditioned. How did you find that?

It was great to see her. I didn't know she had a baby, it's crazy what you can do in a few years after school! I left school eight years ago - I'm so old! So it was nice seeing her. It made me really grateful to be doing what I love. I work really hard, I've worked really hard to get to this point. I think it's crazy how lives can take different directions.

There's been talk about a fix because your backing dancers auditioned. What do you say to that?

I had no clue that they were even going to audition. I'm so happy that they did. For selfish reasons I wasn't, because now I can't have them on tour with me anymore, it was so much fun going on the road with them. I had no idea, but thank goodness they came on the show because they are completely different to what you usually see on X Factor.

Can fans expect to see you perform during the live shows?

Yeah! Even if I have to run up on that stage myself. I'd love to. I hope I get to do the duets with the contestant in the final.

When: Starts Wednesday 7.30pm and screens Thursdays 7.30pm
Where: TV3