X Factor: 2011

Right now in my mind I can see that massive desk with just Louis Walsh sitting behind it. The only judge.

It would be incredible TV.

Her quoted reason for leaving is a clash with AGT live shows - would they share her with TXF Aus?

Interesting that she can't do TXF UK because of a booking by another Cowell show? Or planning for her wanting to stay in Aus?

Cheryl Cole, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B & Jennifer Lopez - spot the odd one out.

Without X Factor, would you have put Cheryl & Nicole in the same category as J Lo? Doubtful.

Well Kyle Sandilands did both last year and both are on Seven, although I do think Australia's Got Talent is later than usual this year.

At risk of sounding as though I'm repeating myself, X Factor has struggled so far in Australia and has already been axed once. Dannii has a big following in Australia so it would be a shame to not somehow get her involved with the programme, even if just as a presenter and mimicking the Steve/Nicole pairing in America. It will never happen though.

Speaking of which, I wonder if Nicole could be on her way to our series? Apparently we're "not to be disappointed" by Dannii's replacement and Nicole has been in the UK for a few days while even whilst auditions have been happening in America. The announcement could have just been a fallback whilst UK discussions were ongoing, just in case Dannii did sign up after all. It wouldn't be the first time an X Factor presenter has been dropped after the series has started, and Nicole would be absolutely wasted as a presenter and got on very well with Louis last year. Perhaps I'm just reading too much into it but you never know what to believe with Syco.

Is anyone else thinking that Cowell and Cole will still be on the panel?

Do US and UK auditions dates clash?

Some audition dates might clash but as far as the live shows go, it is doable for them to do our show. It goes out in America on a Wednesday & Thursday meaning they could fly back on the Friday in preparation for Saturday & Sunday. Simon lives in LA and used to fly over weekly so it would make no difference to him. But they've both been confirmed to be not doing our series.

I really don't see why Simon is so reluctant to appear on our programme, even if just turning up for the live shows as an impartial judge. His presence is going to be missed by the show and the panel will be lacking gravitas without him on it and Gary Barlow in his place.

But Cowell loves playing the publicity game and keeping everyone guessing, you don't think two days into auditions it will be decided the new panel 'isn't working' and Cowell and Cole need to be on the panel and will be on it when they can.

Remember what happened with Louis' axing a few years ago!

I'd argue Cheryl at least needs the back up of the UK show, in case it doesn't work.

Yep - not that different to Bruno and Len doing Dancing With The Stars and Strictly at the same time?

I don't think the Louis situation will ever be replicated but I don't think Simon has completely decided he has left X Factor UK. He does need some presence in the programme, even if its just turning up as an impartial judge or even an Apprentice-style video at the start setting that weeks programme up. He should really phase himself out as he's doing with BGT, but even if the situation you say does happen again, I can't see him returning with Cheryl in tow. He'll probably return in some form next year if this years programme tanks, but if its a success (I'd say anything less than a 15% year on year ratings drop will be a success) he'll have cut all ties.

Bruno and Len though are not executive producers and are not supposedly mentoring their acts. Although we all know Cowell turned up on a Friday and had a few minutes in his office with his acts he's got to be able to sell the format to the US as if he's working with his acts all week - and flying back and too makes a mockery of that.