To think that the X Factor is a nasty, horrible programme that has become unpleasant to watch?

[SmellyMuffin]

I know there has always been a nasty undercurrent to the show, but this year it seems to be worse than ever. I'm finding watching it very uncomfortable viewing. We have an audience that now behaves like baying a mob, someone on another site has compared it to the crowd in the coliseum baying for some poor gladiators blood.

It's all scripted to an extent, and I think most people have sussed that now but can the producers please remember that this is real people who's lives they are messing with. Most of them little more that kids.

Why the fuck do people still watch this shit?

To be fair Rayne was a massive pain up the arse.

Bit rude Methe.

I have plenty of imagination thank you, but I still enjoy X Factor.

Horses for courses and all that. We don't all have to like the same things.

No need to get personal.

I gave up watching it 2 years ago as I couldn't stand it any more. Haven't missed it in the slightest!

I am probably going to sound really hard and uncaring but I can't stand all the weeping and wailing and the constant refrain of "it's my dream/my whole life/all I've ever wanted, etc" . The whole thing is so manipulated.

If you look back objectively over all the series and all the contestants how many have actually achieved long term success, particularly the winners? The public who vote make some pretty poor/odd choices.

I agree with others that the whole thing is scripted and acted out.

Where do they get their audiences from, I agree they're like a baying mob from a gladiator arena. They've obviously changed the format to allow more audience participation but totally ruins the show for me.

Its garbage and a lot of people would benefit from turning it off and using the time better. There are no words for how much I hate cowell and co it along with big brother etc has bred a generation of fame whores who measure everything by money and 'stuff'

INeedSomeHelp Fair enough. Like I said I don't watch it. Prefer strictly myself.

Im assuming the 14/125 year old need parental consent to go on the show.And Rain didnt come across well at all.I didnt like her one bit.Cheryl has a right not to like somebody as much of the rest of us.

14/15 year olds

dustarr73 I was wondering how many 125 year olds would still have living parents

I watched a couple of episodes in the beginning and that was enough for me. all this faux emotion from people why the hell should it matter if your granny has just died if you cant sing you cant sing. well it matters because apparently its all about an emotional connection and it makes good telly. not in my book it doesn't. I would absolutely ban anyone under 18. heartbreaking to tell a vulnerable teen you don't want them. however, we all know that it will go on and on until someone kills themselves over it. it is horrible nasty tv. switch it off.

I'll probably just stick with Strictly from now on. A nicer programme all around, it does what it says on the tin and is still a "feel good" show.

I find Simon Cowell repulsive these days anyway, an odious man who got someone else's wife pregnant and was applauded for it in the media. I can only imagine the out cry if the gender roles were reversed there.

OP I agree! There has always been an element of the judges not really caring about the contestants but this year it has been taken to a whole new dimension. I watched part of it on Friday and found it to be inhumane, degrading and even more publicly humiliating for the contestants, if that were possible. I turned off and vow never to turn that (heap of shit) disguised "great TV entertainment" on ever again!!!!

you're not really watching a reality show - it's more of a scripted drama.

It's not like it was in the early years when the contestants were people who just turned up to audition. A huge majority are already semi pro and gleaned from You Tube, drama clubs, stage schools etc.

I had to stop watching it when DD was more aware of what was going on - its not something I want her to watch, dreadful seeing people laughed at and ridiculed up on stage.

Its just like who wants to be a millionaire but instead of answering questions they sing....then usually float into oblivion.

They are all actors who take part IMHO

Did anyone see Last years winners house in Through the keyhole?

Agree with the gogglebox crew Cowell is taking her money

Yes I did it was a tip

The only way to watch it is if you're simultaneously reading/posting on Raah's thread in telly addicts. It's way better than the actual show.

It's TV for people with no imagination Well said.

Dreadful show - absolutely right about The Hunger Games Galaxymum - I think you've seen the future. Used to like this show but now embarrassing on so many levels.

Myself and DP were talking about this in the car earlier and weirdly I also described it look the roman gladiator arena. It's shocking now and this year we made the decision that we just weren't going to watch it. Haven't missed it at all.