The X Factor returns to our TV screens tonight, but what have last year’s acts been up to over the last 8 months?

As a new bunch of hopefuls prepare to be thrust into the spotlight, X Factor Central takes a look at what the Class of 2010 have been up to since their time on the show.

Matt Cardle triumphed in the final, and won a £1million recording contract with Simon Cowell’s record label Syco.

His winner’s song spent three weeks at number one, and the 28-year-old releases his debut album ‘Letters’ on October 17. The first single has been written by new X Factor judge Gary Barlow, and you can bet on Matt performing during this year’s live shows.

Rebecca Ferguson secured a joint recording contract with Syco and Epic after finishing in second on the show, and has plans to release an album in November. The 25-year-old mum had a brief romance with One direction singer Zayn, and has also starred in a Walkers Crisps television advert.

One Direction – consisting of Harry Stiles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Liam Payne and Zayn Malik – formed during Boot Camp and went on to finish in third place. The group were mentored by Simon Cowell during the series and went on to sign a deal with his label Syco. Their debut single was premiered earlier this month, and is due for release in September.

Finishing in fourth place was Cher Lloyd. The 18-year-old divided public opinion, but also signed with Syco and reached number one in the UK singles chart with her debut single ‘Swagger Jagger’.

Mary Byrne came in fifth and quickly released an album with Sony in the spring. The LP reached number one in her homeland of Ireland, and the singer also got the chance to perform for royality when the Queen visited the country in May.

In seventh was Katie Waissel. The judges eliminated Katie from the show after her fifth appearance in the bottom two. Her debut single flopped after the series, but the singer is sticking at it, and her new band, Red Velvet Lovers, are due to release an album before the year is out.

Aiden Grimshaw left the show in ninth but still featured on The X Factor tour. The Blackpool singer has had various gigs around the country and is often seen trending on Twitter, but hasn’t announced any material for release.

Most of the remaining acts, including Belle Amie, F.Y.D, John Adeleye and Diva Fever continue to perform at gigs around the country. Treyc Cohen is currently performing in theatre, but the careers of Paije Richardson, Wagner, Storm Lee and Nicolo Festa remain quiet.

Michael Lewis is another act from 2010, but one who didn’t reach the live finals – in fact he didn’t make it past the auditions. However, he did return this year to try out his luck in front of the new-look judging panel. You may remember Michael? Look out for him in the new series!

Series 8 of The X Factor commences tonight at 8pm on ITV1.

Keep it central!