Wham! singer slams X Factor

WHAM! star Andrew Ridgeley has criticised television talent shows such as X Factor for their ‘brutality’ – and said rejected contestants may suffer mentally.

The pop star, pictured – who shot to worldwide fame with George Michael in the 1980s band – said shows including The Voice, Fame Academy and Popstars, had ‘unearthed talent over the years’.

But, speaking at the Cheltenham Literature Festival on Saturday, Mr Ridgeley said: ‘It’s a very brutal way of doing that. There’s a lot of the way the process is very harsh on some of those kids.’ The 56-yearold added: ‘I wouldn’t be surprised if the consequences could be harsh on some of those who don’t make it.’

Discussing his new book, Wham!, George and Me, Mr Ridgeley also revealed that he believed the decision to end the pop group with a single farewell concert at Wembley Stadium in 1986 was ‘a slight betrayal’ of their global fanbase. He added: I thought we should have toured.’