X Factor 2018 streaming: how to watch online for free from the UK or abroad

The UK's ultimate singing showdown is back for another series. Yes, The X Factor returns to our screens this weekend and we're here to make sure you're streaming all the highs (and those delicious lows) no matter where you are in the world.

While the lovable Dermot O'Leary remains at the helm, this year's judging panel has seen a considerable shake-up. Joining X Factor overlord Simon Cowell is One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, Robbie Williams, his wife Ayda Field, and Sharon Osbourne for the live shows. With Louis Walsh absent for the first time in 13 years, it will be interesting to see what the intra-marriage, Robbie-Ayda dynamic brings to the 2018 X Factor panel.

ITV has also promised some tweaks to the competition format, with the notable addition of a Britain's Got Talent-style 'golden X', which will enable the judges to fast-track their favourite candidates straight to the 'judge's houses' stage.

Who will follow in the footsteps of 2017 winners Rak-Su? Find out by following the instructions below for streaming The X Factor 2018 online – both in the UK and for those people outside the UK.

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How to watch The X Factor 2018 online for free in the UK:

The X Factor has a 8pm slot each Saturday. ITV is still the home of the reality show favourite, meaning you can live stream the programme via the ITV Hub. The hub is also the destination you need for catching up after and for streaming the show on another device.

A further live streaming option for your mobile, tablet or computer is the free-to-use TVPlayer.com which has good quality, robust streaming.

Streaming The X Factor 2018 anywhere in the world for free:

For those outside of the UK that still want to follow this year's X Factor action, the best bet is a VPN service. This means those travelling, on holiday, or living abroad can still get their fix of the show with an internet connection.

Once you get the right VPN you can enjoy a secure and speedy connection, even on open Wi-Fi networks like hotels, enabling you to tune in via TVPlayer.com.

And even if you're not that IT savvy, don't worry. Getting a VPN is really, really easy. We've listed how to do it in three easy steps below....