The X Factor - Series 6

Two theories mooted in the press. Firstly so Louis and Simon are closer together to encourage more "banter" between them, and secondly because as Dannii and Simon give the most constructive criticism, the producers thought it better they bookend the panel.

However the first week they did it they only told Dannii as she was about to go on stage (according to the press anyway), and after is was decided to make the move permanent, the next week Dannii told the producers minutes beforehand she was reclaiming her own seat. And by the look on her face at the beginning of Saturdays show, I guess she was ordered to move once again this week.

I think the real reason they moved Danii and Louis is because people are more interested to hear what Louis has to say and the first judge can never be heard because of the crowd noise.

Dannii is consistently winning 'favourite judge' polls so if we're to use your logic, Dannii should be sat at the other end

What was Sunday's ratings?

People might like her more certianly, but doesn't mean they'll be more interested in what she has to say.

Peaked over 16 Million, A

Not really as it's generally Louis or Cheryl's comments which add little to proceedings. More likely they're drowning out her constructive criticisms with the crowd so Simon can repeat them after and get the credit.

I know in the very first series Kate introduced the judges comments (and initially at least the acts mentor would join them on stage), but didn't later series have some sort of "swoosh" to tell the audience to shut up. Really though surely they could mic up the judges so we at least can here them over the crowd.

Yep - and second highest "ratings" (i.e. average audience for the duration of the show) of the run, down a tiny bit on last week I think.

Given that the judges are in the audience and surrounded on at least three sides by cheering fans, they'd probably either need to use a handheld stick mic (which would look awful) or those little "Madonna mics" that you wear with mountings behind your ears and appear to be stuck to the side of your face - as used by sports presenters in noisy stadia... Which also look awful.

Mics can only do so much to counter basic physics. (You have to get closer to a quiet sound source to hear it clearly over a larger louder source)

How about a sound proof glass box then?

And people are interested in what Louis 'you look like a popstar' Walsh has to say?!

I think Dannii's the most constructive on the panel. The rest just lick arse or, in the case of Louis, stir it up for the sake of it.

Louis is the second most entertaining judge after Simon and I like him.