The X Factor UK ventures to South Africa


Many South Africans will recognize the scenery in the background when the Judges’ Houses episodes of the outrageously popular The X Factor (UK Series 14) air on local television. Sun International’s legendary Sun City in the North West Province provided the backdrop for the filming of the Judge’s Houses part of the competition. The X Factor judge, Nicole Scherzinger, hosted the Over category at the resort when filming took place last month.
The six contestants who made it through to Scherzinger’s Judges Home were Kevin Davy White, Slavko Kalezic, Matt Linnen, Tracy Leanne Jefford, Berget Lewis and Talia Dean.

The presence of Scherzinger and the contestants at Sun City for the filming was kept hush. Of course, Sun City’s team was on hand to ensure that they had a memorable time, participating in the array of exciting activities available at the resort. For some of the contestants, it was the first time visiting South Africa and when they weren’t filming, they got the chance to experience adventures such as guided safaris in the game-rich Pilanesberg National Park.

“The X Factor has never visited South Africa for the Judges Houses segment of the show and we always endeavour to take the contestants to destinations we have never visited before. And Nicole Scherzinger on safari was an opportunity that we could not miss. The Palace of the Lost City is a stunning destination and worked perfectly for Nicole Scherzinger to take her category to the resort as it’s a glamorous location and not like anything we have done on the show before. Scherzy on Safari!” says Harry Lawton, Associate Producer: The X Factor.

The Judges’ Houses episodes will air in the United Kingdom on 21 and 22 October 2017. The X Factor (UK Series 14) began airing in South Africa on M-Net in August 2017. The shows featuring Sun City will be aired soon.
Claudia Henkel, the Group Manager: Public Relations for Sun International says: “We were excited to host Nicole Scherzinger, the contestants and the crew. It was a whirlwind visit, with a very tight filming schedule. However, our team at Sun City graciously hosted them and treated them to the warm and friendly South African hospitality for which Sun City is renowned. They enjoyed a host of special experiences that are unique to Sun City which has a diverse offering that combines a choice of action-packed entertainment options, outdoor activities, great restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. It is going to be a treat to see Sun City providing a dynamic backdrop for the hotly contested 14th series.”