Super slim Cheryl Fernandez-Versini looks skinnier than ever in a tiny black crop top as X Factor auditions kick off in Manchester

By Colette Fahy for MailOnline

Published: 09:16 EST, 8 July 2015 | Updated: 10:46 EST, 8 July 2015

The X Factor auditions were postponed from Monday this week  due to the sad death of Simon Cowell's beloved mother Julie.

But it was business as usual on Wednesday in Manchester when judge Cheryl Fernandez-Versini arrived in a tiny black crop top which showed off her super slim frame. 

Cheryl, 32, paired the top with wide-legged black trousers and wore her dark hair in a short bob. 

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Slimline: Cheryl Fernandez-Verskini showed off an extremely slender frame as she arrived for the first day of X Factor auditions in Manchester on Wednesday

A pair of huge hoop earrings added to the fun and flirty look.  

She appeared to be in high spirits, smiling happily at the cameras as she arrived at the venue. 

And Cheryl made time for the fans, stopping to take selfies and sign autographs before making her way inside. 

The singer recently hit out at criticism of her weight when she slammed an Instagram follower who told her she looked like a 'bag of bones'. 

The user wrote: 'Bag of bones u looked so much healthier in the early girls aloud days with ur lovely curves.'

Cheryl shows off slim waistline at first X Factor auditions

Slender: Cheryl opted for a midriff-baring crop top and widelegged black trousers which made her look skinnier than ever 

Tiny: Cheryl's outfit displayed her teeny-tiny waist which was emphasised by her baggy trousers

Cheryl quickly hit back and in the process also revealed she was grieving the death of her father-in-law.

She fumed: 'I am so sick and tired of it being ok to call somebody too thin or a 'bag of bones. I would never dream of calling somebody too fat and that they should maybe cut down on their food intake?

What is the difference? You have no idea what I have been through. Just loosing my father in law v recently and everything that comes with that. Not that I am or should justify myself to anyone [sic].'

On display: Cheryl's outfit put her large flower tattoo, which runs down her back, firmly on display 

Hitting back: The singer recently hit out at criticism of her weight when she slammed an Instagram follower who told her she looked like a 'bag of bones'

'I'm so f sick of people thinking it's ok to be mean or body shame anyone. And it's woman on woman. Have some respect and maybe think there may be reasons why before opening your mouth please [sic].' 

Although he is grieving for his father, Cheryl's husband Jean-Bernard whisked her off to Italy to celebrate her 32nd birthday last weekend. 

Cheryl was utterly surprised and she let her 1.5m Instagram followers in on the happening, as she documented her journey to the airport for all to see

Back for more: Both Cheryl and Simon Cowell are back on the panel this year, along with new judges Nick Grimshaw and Rita Ora 

High spirits: Cheryl looked utterly delighted as she was cheered by fans as auditions kicked off 

Ab-tastic: The slimline star revealed her abs, which was quite clearly defined, in the ensemble 

Chic: No doubt Cheryl will keep her fans entertained with numerous style moments during the series 

The singer looked glam in a chic black dress and sunglasses as she sat in the back of a chauffeur-driven car, while holding up a clue to her birthday surprise in the snap.

Holding aloft a a hand-written sign from Jean-Bernard, it read: 'WHAT IF your BDAY started today until I think It's enough... #IT MIGHT BE A LONG ONE' (sic).' 

Cheryl added another snap from her birthday treat on Tuesday - presumably taken hours after their idyllic day out - which saw her sitting at a table with a white birthday cake and candles in front of her. 

Making time for the fans: Cheryl posed for selfies with fans who were delighted to see her 

She knows best: Cheryl took a fan's phone to snap the pictures as she posed up a storm 

Skipping too it: Cheryl looked excited to get the entire process underway 

'When you're asked what you would like to have for your birthday dinner and you say lets go to a nice Italian restaurant!... Then you actually end up IN Italy I need to step you my game,' (sic), Cheryl gushed in the caption. 

The Fight For This Love singer wed Jean-Bernard last summer following a whirlwind three month romance, with the couple celebrating their one year anniversary on July 7.

Cheryl has been fiercely protective of her relationship with the tall dark and handsome gent, which follows her four-year marriage to Ashley Cole which ended in 2010.

Better late than never: Rita Ora was a late arrival, hitting the red carpet long after Cheryl 

Lady in red: Rita oped for a Seventies style scarlet dress and matching over-the-knee boots 

Speaking to The Telegraph earlier this year, the star mused of her whirlwind romance: 'You hear so many stories, don't you? People who have known each other two weeks and they're together for 75 years, people who have been together six months and they break up. So there's no right or wrong.'

Meanwhile, it was a big day for the X Factor team as the new panel got together for the first auditions. 

Just last month it was confirmed that Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw would be joining Simon Cowell on the ITV talent show for this year's series.

Wigging out: Rita's short blonde hair became long, flowing locks as she donned extensions for her first day of auditions 

This meant that last year's judges Louis Walsh and Mel B are out. 

The news of the new line-up was revealed on The X Factor's official Twitter page on Tuesday, along with a picture of Rita, Nick and Cheryl smiling happily together after their first meeting on Monday.

Rita, 24, left her position as a coach on BBC's The Voice after just one season after she was reportedly lured by Simon with a £1.5 million contract.

It has also been claimed that part of the reason she jumped ship over to the rival programme was due to BBC Radio 1 presenter Nick, who helped to persuade her it would be better for her career.

Red hot: Rita's minidress showed off her incredible figure as she posed up a storm 

Overwhelming: Rita braced the crowed as she made her way to auditions with a bodyguard beside her 

Selfie time: Rita, and the rest of the X Factor family, posed for pictures with eager fans 

Jet-setter: On Tuesday Rita was in Paris where she took part in the Chanel presentation before jetting back to Manchester for auditions 

A source close to the star told MailOnline: 'Grimmy was the one that finally convinced Rita to join the show. Simon was also very persuasive and reminded her it was The X Factor which first made Rita a TV star.

'It's never been about money for Rita. She loved her time on The Voice but her diary for early 2016 meant she wouldn't be able to commit to The Voice for a second series.'

'The three judges met for a get together at the Charlotte Street Hotel yesterday evening and they got on like a house on fire and are all excited about the new series of the show.'

He's back: Brave Simon Cowell flashed a smile as he made his way to auditions just a few days after losing his beloved mother Julie 

Postponed: X Factor auditions were postponed until Wednesday after Simon Cowell's mother passed away 

As they met at the central London location, Simon was notably not present due to commitments in Los Angeles, but the other three judges had a successful rendezvous.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: '[The meeting] went incredibly well. They got on like a house on fire.'

And, speaking of her brand new role, Rita gushed: 'I am excited to be coming back to The X Factor – I had a ball here in 2012.

'This is a journey I can't wait to embark on to find some talented singers. Its the new generation taking over. Booooom.' 

Encounter: Simon stopped to chat to a woman outside his hotel, placing his hand on her face as they talked 

Stoic: The music mogul flashed a peace sign as she emerged for a long day of auditions 

Nick, 30, added: 'I love X Factor and have watched the series religiously since it started, so obviously I'm hugely excited to be joining the show.

'Music is my job and my passion and I'm really looking forward to seeing what talent we can find and nurture this year. I can't wait for Judges Houses in Oldham!'Cheryl, who took a hiatus of a few years in between 2011 and 2014, said: 'I haven't been as excited about an X Factor season since I first became a judge.'

'The addition of Rita and Grimmy along with some interesting changes we've made to the format has refocused us to do what we do best, finding talent and making stars. I cannot wait to get started!'

A walk on the wild side: New X Factor host Caroline Flack was edgy in a leopard print shirt and skinny jeans 

Showing her silly side: Caroline stuck out her tongue as one fan snapped a picture 

Exciting: The TV presenter appeared to be in high spirits as she signed autographs 

Reunited: She was joined by her former Xtra Factor co-host Olly Murs as they prepare to host the main show 

Close: The pair have been close pals for sometime and looked delighted to be back together 

Replacements: Caroline and Olly have replaced Dermot O'Leary as hosts of the show 

And of course, Simon himself is incredibly pleased with the new-look X Factor.

'It's taken a while!' he said, of the 2015 judging panel. 'But I am very happy to be able to confirm our line-up of judges for The X Factor this year. The combination of Nick, Cheryl and Rita is going to be a lot of fun! They all bring a lot of enthusiasm and passion for music to the show.

'I have a feeling I am in for a bit of a rough time but sometimes you have to embrace the craziness and now, with luck, we hope to find a star.'

Speaking on his BBC Radio 1 show, Nick also said: 'It's going to be a lot of fun, and I'm really, really excited about it, and I'm excited that we can finally talk about it now.

'Like I say, I love that show, I watch it religiously every weekend and it's going to be great to be part of it. I'm super excited.' 

It was previously reported that music and TV mogul Simon had been bidding for How We Do hitmaker Rita - who appeared as a guest judge on X Factor in 2012 - for a while.

Chic: New Xtra Factor host Rochelle Humes opted for a white shirt with a daring cutout back 

New gig: Rochelle has been joined by radio DJ Melvin Odoom as the new Xtra Factor presenters 

She's got the X Factor: Rochelle made the sign of an X as she prepared for day one 

Stylish: The Saturdays star went casual yet stylish in jeans, a shirt and heels 

It had also been suggested that she was offered a £1.5 million contract, as well as luxury travel and unlimited clothing in order to entice her away from The Voice.

Rita, who has released just one studio album, joined the The Voice in early 2015 but came fourth in the competition alongside vocal coaches Will.i.am, Tom Jones and Ricky Wilson.

However, she came fourth on the show, failing to get any of her acts into the final, although she was said to be one of the main draws for the audience when appearing on the fourth season.

Head judge and show boss Simon, who rejoined the panel last year, had launched a three-prong attack, which prioritised Rita's international career by offering to lend her his private jet, among other tempting treats. 

Greeting his fans: Nick also stopped to chat and take pictures as he got his X Factor career off to a good start 

Excited: Nick admitted that as a big fan of the show, he was excited to be a part of it 

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