Former Wham! star claims TV talent shows are ‘very brutal’

Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley has described modern TV talent shows like The X Factor as “brutal”, and said he fears for the “consequences” for some of the contestants.

Over the years, The X Factor has made stars of performers such as James Arthur, Shayne Ward and Alexandra Burke – but many others have either been ridiculed or disappeared after brief fame.

“They have unearthed talent over the years. But it is very brutal way of doing that and I am not a big fan myself,” Ridgeley said.

“It’s a TV programme made for entertainment and I think there is a lot in the way the process is really, really harsh on some kids and I wouldn’t at all be surprised if it has lasting consequences for some who don’t make it.”

Ridgeley, 56, was speaking at an event at the Cheltenham Literature Festival to promote his memoir about his friendship with George Michael, entitled Wham! George And Me.

The book details first meeting Michael in 1975 at Bushey Meads School to their rise to fame and success with hits including Last Christmas and Wake Me Up Before You Go-go in the 1980s.

It also covers the band’s farewell gig at London’s Wembley Stadium on June 28 1986, which Ridgeley wanted to be a tour.

“I felt that it was a slight betrayal of the fans who had supported us globally,” he said.

“I felt we should have toured that last show and it would have been a wonderful thing to have done, to bid farewell to our global audience. It was a disappointment.”

Picture: PA. Andrew Ridgeley has written about his time in Wham! with George Michael.