E CRUCIATING
BY NICOLA METHVEN FANS shunned X Factor as it launched on Saturday with its smallest audience since the first series in 2004.
Just 5.7million tuned in to the ITV1 talent show, around half a million fewer than last year’s opener.
While some fans on Twitter dubbed it “the worst episode ever” others praised new judges Robbie Williams, 44, and Louis Tomlinson, 26, for helping to revitalise the show.
One wrote: “Actually think Louis and Robbie are great on the panel.”
But after Robbie got up to sing Angels, one tweeted: “I can’t tell if I’m watching X Factor or a parody of the X Factor.”
Another wrote the star, whose wife Ayda Field is also a new judge, looked Robbie, Ayda and Louis with boss Simon With Lauren FAMILY FUN and kids I’M JUICE CHILLING Pop guru has a cooling drink in the shade for the 2010 final, which was won by Matt Cardle.
But last year just 5.8million watched as Rak-Su triumphed.
ITV yesterday said X Factor was a success as TV viewing across all channels was down on Saturday and the show upped its audience share with 34 per cent.
But behind the scenes there was disappointment it failed to draw in a bigger audience.
ITV boss Kevin Lygo has hinted he would replace X Factor if anyone came up with a format which could do better.
This series is the last under contract with ITV and Cowell has already threatened to leave if necessary. He said: “I’ve got three offers on the table from broadcasters who want to do a deal.” when he was awful, and clearly only on the show to allow Robbie to belt out his biggest hit?
Finally, why did the three oldies on the judging panel zoom in on motorised suitcases? Louis, sensibly, declined to join them.
In fact it was the 26-year-old, himself a product of X Factor, who became the voice of reason. He shone, amid all the madness.
Perhaps millions of people will watch the show on YouTube and on catch-up. But it’s more likely that we’ve all seen too many returning crooners drinking in the last chance saloon. The time has come to give it a rest.