The X Factor

Watched the X Factor again for the first time in a while tonight. Was not at all impressed by any of the performances that I saw.

Also - after watching Strictly Come Dancing - I was left feeling how flat and lifeless X Factor felt - in a strictly technical, craft skills sense.

The faces and flesh tones were all desaturated and flat - with very uniform lighting and no "sparkle". Sure the LED screens and plasmas are pretty, and they are throwing effects colours around - but the actual faces just look really dull - and dare I say it, a bit cheap.

Strictly is a very different kind of show, but the whole show just zings on-screen - with much more punchy pictures, much nicer looking faces, and a much more "showbiz" feel. (The saturated colours of the costumes and lighting really help)

(The live band also helps give the show a real sense of being "live" - though even Girls Aloud recorded bit looked really bright and shiny, and genuinely entertaining)

There also seem to be more smiling faces on Strictly - it feels a "happier" show.

Probably because Strictly is for Children in Need wheras X Factor is dealing with people and their careers

In another thread someone said next week is Barry Mannilow week - it justs gets worse!

Surely by now at least it should just be a completly free choice for the acts!

I agree. I have a weird feeling that they'll carry the themes straight through to the semi-final. Ridiculous.

Yep - and the performers on Strictly are already successful in their original careers - and doing it "in theory" for a bit of fun (though it doesn't hurt their careers if they win...)

It is a real shame that the craft standards of two flagship shows differ so much - ITVs just looks so lacklustre. (Kate Thornton also seems to be a bit lacking in charisma - though if the rumours about her being replaced by Vernon Kaye next series are true... Imagine Tess v Vernon on Saturday night!)

[quote="noggin"]

And there was me thinking Ant & Dec were ITV's favourites - me thinks they have some competition for the network's affections!

Very much doubt Kate is going.

Vernon is awful. He wouldn't suit The X Factor at all.

S.O.K
(Save our Kate)

Kate is suitable.. Vernon wouldnt be for the X Factor.

Vernon's name seems to be attached to everything these days. Just in the past few week's I've read that he's rumoured to be hosting the new series of 'Gameshow Marathon' & 'Pop Idol' plus 'Britain's Got Talent'

I should remind people that there were rumours earlier this year than Kate and Ben would be co-hosting the main show this year. Obviously that didn't happen

Im glad they didnt, Kate is fine presenting the show on her own and I hope she presents the next series.

My main problem with Kate is that her role has been cut down slightly - for example linking between the judges when they give their comments.


Also, did Kate used to the intros at the beginning or has it always been the voiceover bloke?