It was staple Saturday night telly, full of wannabe’s, shrieking camp Karaoke classics in front of an even camper judging panel and those at the top of the charts performing on the Sunday night results show…what was not to love!
The show was at its hey-day back in 2009 and 2010 where it reached a viewership of over 20 Million. The Cowell-Cole-Minogue-Walsh combo produced some of the world’s biggest stars, One Direction, JLS and Olly Murs being some of its biggest. However, from the point onwards the show seemed to decline.
The Cowell-Cole-Minogue-Walsh combo produced some of the world’s biggest stars.
The Barlow-Rowland-Tulisa-Walsh combo fell flat, Nicole Scherzinger, ‘Scher-Slayed’ with some much needed spice but even that got samey. Mrs O returned but was too tame and then Robbie Williams brought his virtually unknown wife onto the show and that seemed to be the final nail in the shows coffin.
Oh and the talent, well there’s not much to mention on that front who can name a winner past 2014, I mean Matt Terry anyone? Therefore, the novelty acts became less of a novelty and more of a necessity to stop you poking your eyes out in between the TalkTalk adverts and the show was once a shadow of its former self.
But, in saying all that, do I still want it back? Abso-bloody-lutely! It was fun, Saturday night telly, which is really lacking in the schedules these days. I mean strictly is ok, but is it really youth-centric? Is Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel really enough to entice people to stay in on a weekend? I say no.
Let’s be honest are more people likely to be launched on tiktok than a TV talent show- probably.
The only thing is, telly has changed so much with streaming services taking over and the music industry has changed too. Let’s be honest are more people likely to be launched on tiktok than a TV talent show- probably.
Plus, many former contestants have come out of the woodwork citing many issues with the show. Including backstage bullying, sexism and exploitation taking place behind the scenes with after care allegedly non-existent.
However, if issues with the show were fixed and it was properly revamped (and contestants properly looked after) I think it could get back to being the fun-loving family show we all loved originally.
Ps. Dream judging panel would have to be Paul McCartney, Boy George, Janet Jackson and one of the Spice Girls for balance!
