Bring back one of the classic judging line-ups(01 of11)
Open Image ModalWe never thought we’d say this, but we miss Louis Walsh. And Dannii Minogue is available after announcing she’s quit her role as a judge on the Australian ‘X Factor’. Coincidence? We’re crossing everything she’ll be joining Louis, Simon and Cheryl on this year’s panel. (credit:ITV)
Speaking of Cheryl…(02 of11)
Open Image ModalWe miss the Cheryl of old. You know, when she was a lot more loose-lipped and fancy free? It’s all felt very controlled of late and there’s nothing more entertaining than seeing Chezza really speaking her mind (just ask Wagner). (credit:KGC-143/STAR MAX/IPx)
Get rid of the 6-chair challenge(03 of11)
Open Image ModalSeriously. It’s cruel and uncomfortable to watch. Plus we’re not stupid. Those judges already know who they want and we’re not buying any of that teary-eyed, head-in-hands acting up from them either. (credit:ITV)
Keep bootcamp at the country house(04 of11)
Open Image ModalThis was one new element introduced this year that actually worked, primarily because we got to see what the contestants were really like when put under pressure. Or there was a free bar. Yep, it got ugly, but it made for great telly. (credit:ITV)
Ditch the oh-so-predictable, over-the-top attempts at getting us to tear up(05 of11)
Open Image ModalLook if we want to cry, we’ll cry. Don’t enforce it on us. It might have worked 10 years ago, but we’re older and wiser these days. So NO MORE EMELI BLOODY SANDÉ. Got it? Good. (credit:ITV)
Same goes for enforced fun(06 of11)
Open Image ModalIsn’t it amazing how often the wannabes are caught on camera having a right old laugh with the people they’ve brought along to their audition? Well, only after they’ve heard the word ‘action’. Enough already with the fake guffawing. (credit:ITV)
But we do want more FUN(07 of11)
Open Image ModalThe ‘X Factor’ takes itself waaaaaaay too seriously. It just all feels so contrived and hemmed in. Simon Cowell’s other TV juggernaut, ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is still one of the biggest shows on TV, and a lot of that is down to the fact that it’s good fun to watch. Likewise, ‘X Factor’ needs to loosen its belt and lets its hair down. (credit:ITV)
Presenters that can cope with a live show(08 of11)
Open Image ModalAs much as we love Caroline and Olly, they didn’t make for the most comfortable of viewing experiences last year. We need a safe pair of hands, but other than Dermot O’Leary returning (a distinct possibility), we’re not sure who could take the reins. What we do know is that we don’t want Rochelle Humes or Stephen Mulhern fronting things. Zzzzzzzzzz. (credit:ITV)
Make each show shorter(09 of11)
Open Image ModalExpecting us to invest over two hours of our Saturday and Sunday nights watching the same old, seen-it-all-before wannabes paraded in front of us could test the patience of the Pope. But, a shorter show (1 hour 20mins max, Saturday only) combined with all of the above might just have us all smiling at the telly again, instead of wanting to put our foot through it. (credit:ITV)
Bring back proper themes to the live shows(10 of11)
Open Image ModalThemes like ‘This Is Me’ and ‘Songs To Get Me To The Final’ are uninspired and means the contestants can sing, well, any song ever written, which rather defeats the aim of having themes in the first place. Bring back ‘Big Band Week’, ‘Disco Week’ and yes, ‘ABBA’ week too. (credit:ITV)
Get Simon Cowell a stylist (or sack the one he has)(11 of11)
Open Image ModalIs wanting to see him in anything but a white shirt (un-buttoned to his navel) and black, flarey trousers really too much to ask? (credit:ITV)