'Let's make an imaginary boyband': X Factor reveal how Simon Cowell created One Direction as they release an unseen clip to mark the group's 12th anniversary

Exactly 12 years ago One Direction were created by X Factor judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Nicole Scherzinger. 

And to celebrate the occasion, the former ITV show have shared an unseen video deipicing how the panel came to the decision of putting five solo singers in a group. 

In the clip, which was released on Twitter on Saturday, the judges were looking through several headshots of wannabe popstars and decided to create two groups, a boyband and girl band, from the hopefuls. 

The clip, which was first filmed back in 2010 following the X Factor's bootcamp stages, Simon can been deliberating over which acts should advance to judges houses.

Clutching a picture of Niall Horan, he says: 'He should be in the group. I'm not saying we're going to do it, but I'd like to imagine it.'

Nicole, 44, replies: 'Let's do an imaginary boyband instead of just saying no.'

Putting Niall's picture on the desk they start to go through other photos before coming across Harry Styles. 

Sporting his famous curls and side fringe, Harry Styles, then aged 16, was discussed by the judges, and instantly earns the seal of approval from Simon. 

Louis says: 'We liked him' 

Pussycat Doll singer Nicole seems to have a large contribution on the decision, and quickly points to add Harry to Niall's pile, making him the second member of the Steal Your Girl band. 

She says: 'Yes, put him with him', while Simon agrees: 'Absolutely 100%, Nicole is right.' 

Up next in the pile of headshots to go through was Louis Tomlinson which Simon insists: 'And him,' with Louis replying: 'They look good together'.

While brunette beauty Nicole gushes: 'They are the cutest boyband ever, I love it. The little girls are going to love them.

'They're just to talent to get rid of, they've got the right look and charisma on stage. I think they'll be really great in a boyband.

'They're like little stars and you can't get rid of little stars so you put them all together.'

With the trio's pictures being the first of the five to form the award-winning One Direction, the judges later add Zayn Malik and Liam Payne.

After flicking through headshots and coming across Liam, Simon says: 'He had a stand out audition'. 

Simon later questions whether Liam should be moved to a different group but Nicole interrupts. 

She says: 'I don't think so, I think he will definitely shine. He [Liam] could actually be the leader'. 

Simon adds: 'He thinks he's better than everyone else' and Louis agreed: 'He does Simon, he really has the confidence.' 

It seems Nicole got her way again as after adding Liam to the group, the judges all agreed that the soon to be boyband was looking 'unbelievable'. 

Zayn was added shortly after leaving Simon stating he wants the Groups category to have the group on his team.

Marking the 12th birthday of the creation, The X Factor penned to the Twitter clip: 'When you've waited TWELVE YEARS to find out exactly how One Direction was formed! FINALLY, here's how'.

One Direction appeared on the seventh season of The X Factor, which aired on ITV at the end of 2010.

While Matt Cardle went on to win the singing competition, One Direction became one of the most successful acts ever to come out of the former ITV programme.  

The boyband went on to become one of the best-selling boybands of all time, topping the charts worldwide. 

They're also the first group in the US Billboard 200 history to have their first four albums debut at number one. 

In early 2015, Zayn quit the band and by the end of the year Harry, Niall, Louis and Liam decided to take a hiatus which is still going on today as they pursue solo careers.