No less than seven former X Factor contestants will return to the show this year to perform on the live shows, reports suggest.

The seven artists, including three former winners, will promote their new material on the show.

Series 3 champion Leona Lewis is lined up, as well as last year’s winner Matt Cardle, who unveiled the video for his debut single on Monday.

Joe McElderry, who triumphed in 2009 but was dropped from Simon Cowell’s record label earlier this year after his debut album disappointed, is also set for an appearance, according to The Sun.

The shows may also feature One Direction and Cher Lloyd, who finished last year’s series in third and fourth respectively. Cher went to number one with her debut single ‘Swagger Jagger’ in July, and One Direction release ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ this Sunday. Rebecca Ferguson came second in the same series, and has apparently secured a slot too.

Runner-up in 2009 and new Xtra Factor host Olly Murs will be performing new material from his second album, plus, the new judges Gary, Kelly and Tulisa could also be taking to the stage.

What do you make of these performers for the live shows?

Keep it central!