‘The X Factor’ UK: Former host advises Simon Cowell to give show year off

Sometimes, you never quite know what you’ve got until it’s gone, and we wonder now if many fans of “The X Factor” are feeling that way about Dermot O’Leary. The former host of the show left before the latest run began, with the duo of Olly Murs and Caroline Flack taking his place. He was a fun addition to the show, he kept things in line, and he felt far more natural than Olly and Caroline ever did. (This is no harsh critique of their work; it’s more that we just don’t think this show needs two hosts.)

Given that Dermot was around the series for many years and is very familiar with production, isn’t he the perfect person to give suggestions? We think so, and he tells the latest Radio Times some of what he would change, and also how the show could benefit from some time away:

“If I was Simon I’d take [The X Factor] off air for a year … I’d rest it, and then I’d get back to the rooms. For me it was always room [auditions], arena, boot camp … I was [also] really uncomfortable about the Six Chair Challenge. I don’t think it’s a particularly nice bit of television. One of the reasons people like [X Factor rival] Strictly is because Strictly is a very warm show, and I think you’ve got to keep that in mind.”

For the most part, we sign off on every single one of these changes. “Strictly” is a show that maintains its strong ratings more because it is something that the family can smile while watching; “X Factor” is probably better for singers who want to build fan followings, but it can be stressful and at times sad to watch.

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