The X Factor is a major part of my life. I would even go as far to say it is a family member, consuming my waking hours, providing laughter, despair and fun. From the middle of August almost every text, email and telephone call I receive will be about the new series. Even my wife starts her messages with words X Factor so I take note!!
Why so busy Dean, you may ask?...
My reviews appear on a variety of online web sites (four to date), and I have a regular slot on an assortment of radio stations around the UK. My agency, "Midas Talentpr" has also really taken off, due not least, to the quality of artists I work with. I currently manage 2011 Finalist Jonjo Kerr and represent numerous others.
My predictions are also so well noted and respected that someone recently also called me "X Factor's Unofficial 5th Judge"
So with all this in mind, and with the ninth series of the show only weeks away, I was thrilled to be asked to do my own personal X Factor Q&A. Here it is:
Jude Hunt: What do you think will be the winning category this year?
Dean: I strongly believe a girl will win this year. I go by gut instinct and that's what it is telling me.
Amy Robson: If you could be the mentor to any 'act' which category would you like to have have?
Dean: This year, definitely the girls as I think they will win this year, in general though it would have to be the over 28's as I would have more in common with them because of our age.
Carol Lee: If you could change any aspect of how the X Factor programme is made which would you choose to get rid of and replace with what? ie more of the Judges "bits" or less
Dean: I would like to see the return of the 'non audience' auditions, as I personally think it felt more like a first audition than a show. I would also like to see more humour from the judges, a bit like BGT was this year with Simon Cowell and David Walliams.
Andrea Franklin: Most enjoyable ever X Factor moment?
Dean: One Direction getting to the final of the 2010 show and there massive success ever since. I predicted from bootcamp that they would do well, even though people in the industry told me frequently that "I had got it wrong"
Debbie Stevens: Most memorable Midas act.
Dean: My successful predictions of One Direction and Leona Lewis are obviously very memorable but for me it will always be Niki Evans. In 2007 she opened the door for me and was the first act to let me officially back them through the show. For that, I will always be grateful.
Ian Scott: If you were a judge, where would your ideal judges houses location be?
Dean: Brilliant question Ian. If I was lucky enough, to ever become a judge, I would take my acts to Lake Distict as it has been my 'get away' haven for many years now and I love it there.
Trevor Absolom: Who is your funniest ever audition?
Dean: Ant & Seb are the funniest ever audition for me, I literally had tears in my eyes when I was watching it, for those who can't rememeber, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkKaTeWI3KM
Steve Robinson: Does appearing on the show and getting the quick fame hinder an act in the long term?
Dean: I don't think it hinders an act but it can be problematic later on when all of a sudden the media attention goes quiet and for some the gigs are not as frequent as they once were. Some acts do find that side of it hard to accept.
Melissa Kerr: Is the quality of acts getting better as the seasons progress or worse?
Dean: Like any talent show like this, there are good years and bad years with regards to the acts chosen. For me, 2010 was the best ever season of the X Factor.
John Ryan: Simon has said he wants a shake up of the show. If you were in charge what would you do?
Dean: I would do a few things John, I would get rid of the audience auditions and bring in a non celebrity, but well respected talent manager/scout. In fact, I know just the person ;)
Thomas Philips: What advice would you give someone, who can obviously not sing?
Dean: Firstly, I hate being horrible to people but when it comes to an act who genuinely can't sing, who think they can, then I would rather I tell them nicely that they need to forget a singing career. Either that someone destroys their dream, in front of a large crowd at a national competition.
To find out more about me, please visit www.midastalentpr.com