The X Factor has been axed after 17 years.

The last full series of the TV talent show aired in 2018, although a celebrity edition was broadcast the following year.

After securing around 10 million viewers at the peak of its popularity, the reality series suffered a sharp decline in ratings in recent years with creator Simon Cowell deciding to call it a day.

However, the show, which began broadcasting in 2004, was the launching pad for numerous top-selling British acts from One Direction to Little Mix.

The programme also featured a number of Sussex-based stars over the years.

Here is a list of the contestant (and judges) from Sussex to appear on the show.

Chico

The Argus: Chico Chico

Chico, real name Yousseph Slimani, rose to fame in 2005 after reaching the quarter finals of the TV talent show.

The 49-year-old was born in Wales but moved to Morocco at the age of two. He returned to the UK at 14 and attended Hazelwick School in Three Bridges.

He once revealed he played football alongside England's Euro 2020 boss Gareth Southgate while at school.

Chico released the only number one of his career in 2006 - It’s Chico Time.

Simon Cowell

The Argus: Simon CowellSimon Cowell

In 2019, Simon was named the third the most influential person in Brighton.

Despite not living in the city, the former X Factor judge placed third in the Brighton Power 100 rankings.

Simon’s late mother Julie used to live in Rottingdean.

Before her death, she told The Argus she wanted her son to get married in her local church - St Margaret’s Church, near her Ovingdean home.

Frankie Cocozza

The Argus: Frankie Cocozza, from BrightonFrankie Cocozza, from Brighton

The Brighton-born singer shot to fame on The X Factor when he appeared on the ITV show in 2011.

The musician married Bianca Murphy in Brighton in May 2018. He was pictured in Bartholomew Square after the ceremony.

He is currently the lead singer of British pop-rock band the Telescreen.

Tommy Ludford

The Argus: Tommy Ludford, from Rye Tommy Ludford, from Rye

The singer, from Rye, was controversially booted off the show in 2018 after One Direction member and judge Louis Tomlinson back both contestants in a sing-off.

This meant that Tommy, who was not involved into the sing-off, was eliminated from the show.

Tommy, who was 20 at the time, wowed the judges in his audition after performing a song written by himself. He got four yeses.

Daryl Markham

The Argus: Daryl MarkhamDaryl Markham

The singer appeared on the show in 2009, impressing judges with an emotional performance which he dedicated to his brother, Gary, who died from lung cancer the year before.

Daryl’s emotional first appearance has racked up more than seven million views on YouTube.

He was eliminated from the process after bootcamp.

The former carpenter is now the boss of the Sub-Station in Seaford.

Chloe Jasmine

The Argus: Chloe JasmineChloe Jasmine

Chloe Jasmine, a model from Sussex, earned herself four yeses after a performance of Sonny Burke’s 1948 song Black Coffee in 2014.

Mentored by Cheryl Tweedy, formerly Cole, the singer finished the competition in 13th place.

Introducing herself on the show, the now 30-year-old said she was from Sussex and had been educated at a private boarding school.

When asked what she enjoyed, she replied “Just normal things, polo, Henley, croquet.”

Alejandro Fernandez-Holt

The Argus: Alejandro Fernandez-Holt Alejandro Fernandez-Holt

The singer, who performed Hero by Enrique Iglesias at the 2013 arena auditions, was a student in Brighton at the time.

Judge Gary Barlow branded the then 17-year-old’s first audition as cheesy and “too theatre school”.

He was eventually sent home by judge Louis Walsh.