When X Factor auditionees have their heart set on impressing a particular judge, it’s heartbreaking for them if their idol has taken the day off.

Mel B fitted right back in on the judging panel (Thames/Syco Entertainment)

But while there was a lot of disappointment when the crew told arriving contestants that Nicole Scherzinger wouldn’t be hearing them sing, sadness quickly turned to excitement when they discovered former judge and ex-Spice Girl Mel B would be sitting in for her.

Mel B is in da house agaaaain🙌🏻 #XFactor

— × (@louif_tomlinson) September 10, 2016

So excited @OfficialMelB is back on #XFactor 🎉🎉🎉🎉 wish she was always still on 😫.

— Rebekah Nicole Allen (@RebekahNicAllen) September 10, 2016

Viewers were so pleased to see her back that some even had art tributes for her.

She's baaaaaack!! @OfficialMelB @SpiceGirlsNet @TheXFactor #XFactor #MelB #art pic.twitter.com/oKadeqTFoP

— Devin Wallace (@DevinWallaceArt) September 10, 2016

Sharp-tongued Mel certainly isn’t known for mincing her words, so unfortunately wannabes couldn’t expect the same friendly supportiveness that Nicole usually offers.

Awwww thank you @TheXFactor bringing @OfficialMelB back she's brutal yet hysterical #XFactor

— Nichola-Louise (@nicholasmith6) September 10, 2016

On the plus side though, you know that if you’ve impressed Mel, it’s been a good day at the office.

Returning contestant Gifty Louise managed to bring a smile to Mel’s face, and viewers were just as pleased to see her again.

This may be her second time… But she's killing it👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 #XFactor

— brown sugar👅 (@DesignerNae) September 10, 2016

What an audition from @GiftyLouise! Hope you make it through to finals! #xfactor

— Paula Holmes (@TheLDNDiaries) September 10, 2016

Loving Gifty tonight amazing! Reminds me of Lauren Hill #XFactor

— eve morgan (@emorges) September 10, 2016

Gifty Louise is back (Thames/Syco Entertainment)