We're annoyed with The X Factor. No, not because of Mason Noise, or because Sinitta wasn't at Judges' Houses, or because of Simon Cowell's eye-wateringly high waistline. Nope, we're annoyed with The X Factor because we're not getting Halloween Week this year.
There's nothing scarier than a hopeful singer nervously belting out a classic while dressed in lycra and cobwebs, but we're going to be denied this pleasure as the contestants instead face the "this is me" theme for the first live show on Saturday. But that doesn't stop us from carving a pumpkin, popping on a witch's hat and reliving these best ever Halloween Week performances:
1. 'E.T.' - Little Mix (2011)
Not just one of the best ever Halloween Week performances, but one of the best ever X Factor performances. Ever. This is the moment when Little Mix made us stop and pay attention - not only...
There's nothing scarier than a hopeful singer nervously belting out a classic while dressed in lycra and cobwebs, but we're going to be denied this pleasure as the contestants instead face the "this is me" theme for the first live show on Saturday. But that doesn't stop us from carving a pumpkin, popping on a witch's hat and reliving these best ever Halloween Week performances:
1. 'E.T.' - Little Mix (2011)
Not just one of the best ever Halloween Week performances, but one of the best ever X Factor performances. Ever. This is the moment when Little Mix made us stop and pay attention - not only...
- 10/31/2015
- Digital Spy
It's time! To face! The swimming pools and perfectly kept lawns! It's always been our favourite phase of The X Factor and now the glorified game of musical chairs is mercifully over, this weekend sees the surviving 24 acts jet off to Judges' Houses.
Or Judges' Pretend Houses, as we prefer to call it, as they tend to be rented residences. You don't think Cowell and co would let the oiks into their real homes, do you?
There are opulent interiors and guest mentors. Tension gets eked out and tear-sodden hugs get issued. Someone always wears unwise shorts. Someone else dives into a pool with their clothes on. This year, there's even a ghost. We can't wait. But while we do, let's rewind the all-time highlights from Judges' Houses…
1. Sinitta turns over a new leaf (2009)
When the Overs - including a certain Olly Murs - turned up at Simon Cowell's La mansion,...
Or Judges' Pretend Houses, as we prefer to call it, as they tend to be rented residences. You don't think Cowell and co would let the oiks into their real homes, do you?
There are opulent interiors and guest mentors. Tension gets eked out and tear-sodden hugs get issued. Someone always wears unwise shorts. Someone else dives into a pool with their clothes on. This year, there's even a ghost. We can't wait. But while we do, let's rewind the all-time highlights from Judges' Houses…
1. Sinitta turns over a new leaf (2009)
When the Overs - including a certain Olly Murs - turned up at Simon Cowell's La mansion,...
- 10/23/2015
- Digital Spy
It's not just X Factor winners who keep us coming back year in, year out, it's the ludicrous novelty acts who make the show so memorable. In the words of Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, "it may be borderline bonkers, but I love that".
But since Louis Walsh's departure from the show, there's been a noticeable lack of novelty fodder. Damn them for employing judges who actually value musical talent over mad outfits and insane dance routines.
So in tribute to the former finalists who may have made us visibly cringe but always smile, here's nine of our favourites, brought to you in association with TalkTalk's new Bopheads app:
1. Wagner (2010)
"On my death bed, I shall remember this moment..."
A 54-year-old, Brazilian-born former lion owner from Dudley, Wagner Carrilho won Sharon Osbourne's heart with his sheer eccentricity at the Judges' Houses.
From his mashup of 'She Bangs/Love Shack' to his...
But since Louis Walsh's departure from the show, there's been a noticeable lack of novelty fodder. Damn them for employing judges who actually value musical talent over mad outfits and insane dance routines.
So in tribute to the former finalists who may have made us visibly cringe but always smile, here's nine of our favourites, brought to you in association with TalkTalk's new Bopheads app:
1. Wagner (2010)
"On my death bed, I shall remember this moment..."
A 54-year-old, Brazilian-born former lion owner from Dudley, Wagner Carrilho won Sharon Osbourne's heart with his sheer eccentricity at the Judges' Houses.
From his mashup of 'She Bangs/Love Shack' to his...
- 10/16/2015
- Digital Spy
The X Factor's Kitty Brucknell noticed something familiar when she watched the Suicide Squad trailer this week.
The singer quipped that the film's stylists took inspiration from her dip-dyed hair when creating Harley Quinn's (Margot Robbie) look.
Lol I love how Suicide Squad has totally ripped off my dip-dye I had in 2013/14 looool pic.twitter.com/2v2rfc66QT
— Kitty Brucknell (@kittybrucknell) July 17, 2015
Brucknell, who finished seventh on the ITV talent show four years ago, said of the upcoming Hollywood movie: "Lol I love how Suicide Squad has totally ripped off my dip-dye I had in 2013/14 looool."
Earlier this year, Brucknell was left "utterly heartbroken" when her bid to represent Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest failed.
Brucknell had previously attempted to represent the United Kingdom in the contest but claimed that the BBC had refused to let her due to her status as a former X Factor contestant.
The singer quipped that the film's stylists took inspiration from her dip-dyed hair when creating Harley Quinn's (Margot Robbie) look.
Lol I love how Suicide Squad has totally ripped off my dip-dye I had in 2013/14 looool pic.twitter.com/2v2rfc66QT
— Kitty Brucknell (@kittybrucknell) July 17, 2015
Brucknell, who finished seventh on the ITV talent show four years ago, said of the upcoming Hollywood movie: "Lol I love how Suicide Squad has totally ripped off my dip-dye I had in 2013/14 looool."
Earlier this year, Brucknell was left "utterly heartbroken" when her bid to represent Moldova at the Eurovision Song Contest failed.
Brucknell had previously attempted to represent the United Kingdom in the contest but claimed that the BBC had refused to let her due to her status as a former X Factor contestant.
- 7/17/2015
- Digital Spy
When Simon Cowell tweets, you know things are serious. With rumours swirling that Louis Walsh was out of The X Factor, Cowell took to Twitter to clear things up - and basically confirmed that Lulu is out of there. And we're devastated.
We know that our love for Louis is not exactly reciprocated (he's made his feelings for Digital Spy known in the past), but our connection to him is so strong that we can overlook such differences of opinion. The fact is, The X Factor just won't be the same without him (and not in a good way).
You're my baby Bublé: 8 wacky Louis Walsh compliments from X Factor
Louis doesn't get a lot of credit for his role on The X Factor, but we think this is an oversight - actually, he makes the show. And in the words of Lord Paddy Ashdown (sort of), if people don't miss him,...
We know that our love for Louis is not exactly reciprocated (he's made his feelings for Digital Spy known in the past), but our connection to him is so strong that we can overlook such differences of opinion. The fact is, The X Factor just won't be the same without him (and not in a good way).
You're my baby Bublé: 8 wacky Louis Walsh compliments from X Factor
Louis doesn't get a lot of credit for his role on The X Factor, but we think this is an oversight - actually, he makes the show. And in the words of Lord Paddy Ashdown (sort of), if people don't miss him,...
- 5/11/2015
- Digital Spy
Suddenly there are only eight acts left in The X Factor and the competition is getting very tight indeed - which must mean it's time for another Power Rankings video.
With Big Band Week ahead, we tried to figure out who's in danger and who's looking good with the help of X Factor stars Olly Murs, Kitty Brucknell and Paul Akister - and the Digital Spy staff, of course. Watch the video below:
The X Factor continues tomorrow (November 15) at 8.15pm on ITV.
What do you think of our rankings? Who should be higher? Who should be lower? Or have we got it right? Let us know below!
With Big Band Week ahead, we tried to figure out who's in danger and who's looking good with the help of X Factor stars Olly Murs, Kitty Brucknell and Paul Akister - and the Digital Spy staff, of course. Watch the video below:
The X Factor continues tomorrow (November 15) at 8.15pm on ITV.
What do you think of our rankings? Who should be higher? Who should be lower? Or have we got it right? Let us know below!
- 11/14/2014
- Digital Spy
It might be a relatively new institution, but Halloween Week on The X Factor is always guaranteed to bring us brilliant performances - and some nightmare-inducing ones, too. It was, after all, Halloween Week which brought us Gary Barlow's infamous "fag ash breath" comment.
With our current batch of contestants hurriedly preparing their scariest songs, and once we got over the disappointment of discovering Jedward's 'Ghostbusters' was actually in Movie Week, we picked out 12 memorable Halloween Week performances from years gone by in no particular order...
1. Cher Lloyd - 'Stay'
This is how you shake it off! Cher was getting all sorts of criticism for being fond of an old rap or two, so she came out on Halloween Week to prove she could sing with a performance of the belter 'Stay' by Shakespears Sister. The vocals were slightly shaky at times but that didn't really matter because...
With our current batch of contestants hurriedly preparing their scariest songs, and once we got over the disappointment of discovering Jedward's 'Ghostbusters' was actually in Movie Week, we picked out 12 memorable Halloween Week performances from years gone by in no particular order...
1. Cher Lloyd - 'Stay'
This is how you shake it off! Cher was getting all sorts of criticism for being fond of an old rap or two, so she came out on Halloween Week to prove she could sing with a performance of the belter 'Stay' by Shakespears Sister. The vocals were slightly shaky at times but that didn't really matter because...
- 10/29/2014
- Digital Spy
After only four weeks of X Factor we're already starting to develop unhealthy obsessions with acts that we love and acts that we love to hate.
Next month we'll be heading to the Live Shows and we've already got a good idea of who we'd love to see getting a glitzy makeover and a bellowing Peter Dickson introduction.
Here are 9 acts we'd love to see every Saturday night this autumn.
1. Raign
Cheryl Cole's Kryptonite and nemesis, Raign is about as naturally likeable as a sharp kick in your naughty bits. But that's also what makes her so incredibly perfect for the Live Shows.
With an ego that would make even Simon Cowell blush, this melodramatic eccentric is exactly the sort of person the show's missed in recent years. Put it this way, we'd rather have Raign than a dozen Nicholas McDonalds.
2. Jake Quickenden
It was a rough decision on...
Next month we'll be heading to the Live Shows and we've already got a good idea of who we'd love to see getting a glitzy makeover and a bellowing Peter Dickson introduction.
Here are 9 acts we'd love to see every Saturday night this autumn.
1. Raign
Cheryl Cole's Kryptonite and nemesis, Raign is about as naturally likeable as a sharp kick in your naughty bits. But that's also what makes her so incredibly perfect for the Live Shows.
With an ego that would make even Simon Cowell blush, this melodramatic eccentric is exactly the sort of person the show's missed in recent years. Put it this way, we'd rather have Raign than a dozen Nicholas McDonalds.
2. Jake Quickenden
It was a rough decision on...
- 9/22/2014
- Digital Spy
X Factor returned at the weekend with Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole trying to salvage a show that has felt like it is stagnating in a Gary Barlow bubble of dreariness over the last two series.
X Factor first review: Cowell brings back sparkle, but not the talent
The new X Factor judges for 2014: What's the snap verdict?
Can you remember who won last year? Can you remember any of the finalists? Exactly. The show needed a rocket up its jacksie and, although this weekend's shows weren't perfect, they did at least bring back the show's old sense of humour.
If you missed it and don't fancy sitting through 37 ad breaks on ITV Player or the judges' 'bantz', here are the 11 auditions that you need to see.
11. Jay James
He was in the navy. Tick. He's been on a "journey". Tick. He's got a young child. Tick. Jay James...
X Factor first review: Cowell brings back sparkle, but not the talent
The new X Factor judges for 2014: What's the snap verdict?
Can you remember who won last year? Can you remember any of the finalists? Exactly. The show needed a rocket up its jacksie and, although this weekend's shows weren't perfect, they did at least bring back the show's old sense of humour.
If you missed it and don't fancy sitting through 37 ad breaks on ITV Player or the judges' 'bantz', here are the 11 auditions that you need to see.
11. Jay James
He was in the navy. Tick. He's been on a "journey". Tick. He's got a young child. Tick. Jay James...
- 9/1/2014
- Digital Spy
It's been four years since Simon Cowell was last on the X Factor panel in the UK. In his last series, he introduced the world to One Direction, the ratings were sky high and his show was the only thing people talked about on Monday morning at work.
He returns, after having his Us version of the show flop and dumped, to find that The X Factor is no longer the dominant force in British television.
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing now reigns supreme in the ratings war and the tabloids and British public seem more interested in melting frozen Alaskas and Mary Berry's opinion on soggy bottoms than his reunion with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini behind the judges' desk.
Series 11 of The X Factor is the biggest challenge that Cowell has faced since he first controversially launched the show, spinning off his new found superstar status on Pop Idol.
He returns, after having his Us version of the show flop and dumped, to find that The X Factor is no longer the dominant force in British television.
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing now reigns supreme in the ratings war and the tabloids and British public seem more interested in melting frozen Alaskas and Mary Berry's opinion on soggy bottoms than his reunion with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini behind the judges' desk.
Series 11 of The X Factor is the biggest challenge that Cowell has faced since he first controversially launched the show, spinning off his new found superstar status on Pop Idol.
- 8/30/2014
- Digital Spy
It's been four years since Simon Cowell was last on the X Factor panel in the UK. In his last series, he introduced the world to One Direction, the ratings were sky high and his show was the only thing people talked about on Monday morning at work.
He returns, after having his Us version of the show flop and dumped, to find that The X Factor is no longer the dominant force in British television.
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing now reigns supreme in the ratings war and the tabloids and British public seem more interested in melting frozen Alaskas and Mary Berry's opinion on soggy bottoms than his reunion with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini behind the judges' desk.
Series 11 of The X Factor is the biggest challenge that Cowell has faced since he first controversially launched the show, spinning off his new found superstar status on Pop Idol.
He returns, after having his Us version of the show flop and dumped, to find that The X Factor is no longer the dominant force in British television.
BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing now reigns supreme in the ratings war and the tabloids and British public seem more interested in melting frozen Alaskas and Mary Berry's opinion on soggy bottoms than his reunion with Cheryl Fernandez-Versini behind the judges' desk.
Series 11 of The X Factor is the biggest challenge that Cowell has faced since he first controversially launched the show, spinning off his new found superstar status on Pop Idol.
- 8/30/2014
- Digital Spy
The X Factor has helped launch the career of dozens of pop acts over the last decade. It has also given us Chico Time. You win some, you lose some.
Here is our definitive ranking of the 15 most ludicrous acts to ever grace Saturday nights on ITV.
15. Rylan
Rylan was already a regular on the reality TV circuit before The X Factor (he was a runner-up in the Sky Living monstrosity Signed By Katie Price), and he was a little bit more knowing and calculated than genuinely bonkers.
However, even if those floods of tears at Nicole Scherzinger's Judges' Houses were staged, they were staged brilliantly. The perfect I'm-mad-me contestant after a decade of near misses.
14. 2 Shoes
Charley Bird and Lucy Texeira were harmless and fairly innocuous as a pop duo. They spoke only in Essex slang ("Roll!") and insisted on calling each other "shoe", but the most ludicrous...
Here is our definitive ranking of the 15 most ludicrous acts to ever grace Saturday nights on ITV.
15. Rylan
Rylan was already a regular on the reality TV circuit before The X Factor (he was a runner-up in the Sky Living monstrosity Signed By Katie Price), and he was a little bit more knowing and calculated than genuinely bonkers.
However, even if those floods of tears at Nicole Scherzinger's Judges' Houses were staged, they were staged brilliantly. The perfect I'm-mad-me contestant after a decade of near misses.
14. 2 Shoes
Charley Bird and Lucy Texeira were harmless and fairly innocuous as a pop duo. They spoke only in Essex slang ("Roll!") and insisted on calling each other "shoe", but the most ludicrous...
- 8/27/2014
- Digital Spy
The X Factor final two have been revealed.
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each to...
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each to...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
The X Factor final two have been revealed.
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary about how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each...
Luke Friend was eliminated from the competition at the end of tonight's (December 14) live show, meaning that Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald will now go head-to-head in a bid to be crowned this year's winner.
Asked by Dermot O'Leary about how he felt making it to the final, Luke said: "It was actually really mental. I know everyone thought I was the underdog sometimes, but I got here!
"This is absolutely amazing, I mean I'm going to keep writing music and doing something I love. I'm going to write music for you guys."
Louis Walsh added: "He's got something unique; he's going to have an amazing career. Watch this space."
Luke thanked Walsh for his support as mentor, saying: "I just love you so much, man. You've been a great mentor. Thank you, thank you."
The final three performed two songs each...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Forget advent calendars, Coca-Cola ads and John Lewis's blooming hare and bear. The one true sign that Christmas is upon us is the arrival of the X Factor final. Someone pass us the eggnog!
Over two nights, viewers will decide this year's champion and whoever they pick from Nicholas McDonald, Sam Bailey or Luke Friend will most likely be this year's Christmas number one.
It hasn't been a vintage year for The X Factor, but we're sure ITV, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are planning to pull out all the stops and some final twists to remind us why we come back year after year.
Stick with Digital Spy from 8pm when we'll be covering all the action live.
22:00So here are our X Factor Final 2. Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald. Hardly the most inspiring pair of singers, but heck, you voted for them.
21:58And we can't...
Over two nights, viewers will decide this year's champion and whoever they pick from Nicholas McDonald, Sam Bailey or Luke Friend will most likely be this year's Christmas number one.
It hasn't been a vintage year for The X Factor, but we're sure ITV, Simon Cowell and Louis Walsh are planning to pull out all the stops and some final twists to remind us why we come back year after year.
Stick with Digital Spy from 8pm when we'll be covering all the action live.
22:00So here are our X Factor Final 2. Sam Bailey and Nicholas McDonald. Hardly the most inspiring pair of singers, but heck, you voted for them.
21:58And we can't...
- 12/14/2013
- Digital Spy
Wagner and Rylan Clark have been tipped to make a return to The X Factor for this year's live final.
According to newspaper reports including The Sun's, some of the show's most flamboyant acts are being lined up to perform together as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.
Kitty Brucknell, Diva Fever and 2 Shoes have also been named as potential returnees.
Digital Spy has spoken to some of the acts involved, who have strongly hinted at their involvement.
An X Factor source told DS that while "nothing is confirmed yet", producers are "hoping to get some former acts to return".
The X Factor's 2013 final takes place on the weekend of December 14 on ITV.
This year's X Factor winner's single will raise for money Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Together For Short Lives, and will be released digitally after the final on December 15.
According to newspaper reports including The Sun's, some of the show's most flamboyant acts are being lined up to perform together as part of its 10th anniversary celebrations.
Kitty Brucknell, Diva Fever and 2 Shoes have also been named as potential returnees.
Digital Spy has spoken to some of the acts involved, who have strongly hinted at their involvement.
An X Factor source told DS that while "nothing is confirmed yet", producers are "hoping to get some former acts to return".
The X Factor's 2013 final takes place on the weekend of December 14 on ITV.
This year's X Factor winner's single will raise for money Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and Together For Short Lives, and will be released digitally after the final on December 15.
- 11/29/2013
- Digital Spy
ITV bosses are bringing back former joke acts for the 'X Factor' finale. Fan favourites including Wagner, Rylan Clark, Two Shoes and Kitty Brucknell - better known for their wild onstage antics and larger-than-life personalities than their singing - will reportedly return for a group number during this year's live final on December 15. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Seeing Wagner, Kitty and Rylan back on the stage where they found fame will be a massive treat for viewers. It's a great way to help mark The X Factor's 10th birthday.'' Meanwhile, Louis Walsh has revealed his fellow judge Sharon Osbourne is...
- 11/29/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
There are loads of fun ways to celebrate a tenth birthday. Going bowling, heading to Laserquest or even hiring a clown.
But for The X Factor, they have decided to shun all of these great ideas (Ok, maybe except the last one. Hi Louis!) in favour of something completely different…
Tonight, the remaining six contestants are saying 'Happy Birthday' by paying homage to the very best of what the show has produced over the past decade, from Alexandra to Leona, McElderry to, um, Ward.
Join Digital Spy from 8pm as we pop on the party hats for what is definitely going to be this weekend's most important TV show birthday celebration…
21:29Goodnight, everyone!
21:29Leave your comments below, and don't forget to come back tomorrow night at 8pm to see who's going to be sent packing. Personally, I predict a Tamera/Hannah showdown - with Dermot immediately going to...
But for The X Factor, they have decided to shun all of these great ideas (Ok, maybe except the last one. Hi Louis!) in favour of something completely different…
Tonight, the remaining six contestants are saying 'Happy Birthday' by paying homage to the very best of what the show has produced over the past decade, from Alexandra to Leona, McElderry to, um, Ward.
Join Digital Spy from 8pm as we pop on the party hats for what is definitely going to be this weekend's most important TV show birthday celebration…
21:29Goodnight, everyone!
21:29Leave your comments below, and don't forget to come back tomorrow night at 8pm to see who's going to be sent packing. Personally, I predict a Tamera/Hannah showdown - with Dermot immediately going to...
- 11/23/2013
- Digital Spy
1. Pe-ter Dick-Son!
Abi Alton. Luke Friend. Kingsland Rd. Nobody will ever match Rachel Adedeji will they? Speaking of Rachel Adedeji...
We know it wasn't technically in the Live Shows, but that video never gets old.
2. They gave us Wagner.
Glorious.
3. When they make Dermot dance.
What are the odds that Dermot will be twerking by the end of this year's series?
4. The incredible showmances.
Eggnog Quigglet and The Vickers way back in series 5. I bet The Vickers still has that Vote for Eggnog t-shirt under her pillow.
Harry Styles and Caroline Flack in series 7. A romance for the ages. Very different ages.
That woman who replaced Goldie Cheung. Some guy who was in a rubbish boyband. Yeah, series 8 was a bit rubbish.
Tesco Mary always denied it, but the sexual power of Wagner must surely have been too powerful to resist back in series 7.
5. Genuine moments of joy and happiness.
Abi Alton. Luke Friend. Kingsland Rd. Nobody will ever match Rachel Adedeji will they? Speaking of Rachel Adedeji...
We know it wasn't technically in the Live Shows, but that video never gets old.
2. They gave us Wagner.
Glorious.
3. When they make Dermot dance.
What are the odds that Dermot will be twerking by the end of this year's series?
4. The incredible showmances.
Eggnog Quigglet and The Vickers way back in series 5. I bet The Vickers still has that Vote for Eggnog t-shirt under her pillow.
Harry Styles and Caroline Flack in series 7. A romance for the ages. Very different ages.
That woman who replaced Goldie Cheung. Some guy who was in a rubbish boyband. Yeah, series 8 was a bit rubbish.
Tesco Mary always denied it, but the sexual power of Wagner must surely have been too powerful to resist back in series 7.
5. Genuine moments of joy and happiness.
- 10/12/2013
- Digital Spy
X Factor returns this weekend and it's gearing up to take over your lives until Christmas. And even if you're the sort of person who would normally rather eat a plate of dog food than spend Saturday night with Louis Walsh, there are at least a couple of reasons to be excited about the show's 10th series.
1. Loveable oddballs.
Without X Factor we would never have seen Jedward performing the talking bit in 'Oops I Did It Again', watched Kitty Brucknell in a glow-in-the-dark catsuit, witnessed the horror of Diva Fever or, most importantly, been treated to the genius of Wagner.
From 'Loaf Shack' to bongo-drum bashing, from backing dancers rubbing their boobs to owning a pet lion, Wagner remains the greatest ever X Factor oddball in our eyes, but hopefully this year, he can be topped.
And don't even get us started on the greatest act to never reach the live shows.
1. Loveable oddballs.
Without X Factor we would never have seen Jedward performing the talking bit in 'Oops I Did It Again', watched Kitty Brucknell in a glow-in-the-dark catsuit, witnessed the horror of Diva Fever or, most importantly, been treated to the genius of Wagner.
From 'Loaf Shack' to bongo-drum bashing, from backing dancers rubbing their boobs to owning a pet lion, Wagner remains the greatest ever X Factor oddball in our eyes, but hopefully this year, he can be topped.
And don't even get us started on the greatest act to never reach the live shows.
- 8/29/2013
- Digital Spy
Cancel your weekend plans until Christmas - The X Factor is back.
Simon Cowell's Saturday night monster returns with yet more brilliant, bonkers and bloody awful singers hoping to become the next 1D, Leona or Jls. To mark the show's return, Reality Bites has picked out 10 of the greatest ever X Factor auditions. Which do you think was the greatest?
1. Cher Lloyd - 37,598,499 YouTube views can't be wrong.
2. Katie Waissel - Imagine the person you would least like to end up in a lift with. This is 10 times worse.
3. Gamu - Three years on. We're still not over it.
4. Danyl Johnson - The power of the mic toss!
5. Leona Lewis - The voice that changed The X Factor.
6. Alexandra Burke - The emotional comeback.
7. Jedward - "Where do you see yourself in 15 years' time?" "I see myself being older."
8. Kitty Brucknell - Have a seat dear.
9. Olly Murs - Wonky drunk uncle dancing ahoy.
Simon Cowell's Saturday night monster returns with yet more brilliant, bonkers and bloody awful singers hoping to become the next 1D, Leona or Jls. To mark the show's return, Reality Bites has picked out 10 of the greatest ever X Factor auditions. Which do you think was the greatest?
1. Cher Lloyd - 37,598,499 YouTube views can't be wrong.
2. Katie Waissel - Imagine the person you would least like to end up in a lift with. This is 10 times worse.
3. Gamu - Three years on. We're still not over it.
4. Danyl Johnson - The power of the mic toss!
5. Leona Lewis - The voice that changed The X Factor.
6. Alexandra Burke - The emotional comeback.
7. Jedward - "Where do you see yourself in 15 years' time?" "I see myself being older."
8. Kitty Brucknell - Have a seat dear.
9. Olly Murs - Wonky drunk uncle dancing ahoy.
- 8/28/2013
- Digital Spy
Whether you think it's innocent Saturday night cheese, or as repugnant as an unwashed Speedo, there's no denying that ITV's Splash! has got everyone talking the past few weeks.
Tonight, Tom Daley will slip on his trunks for one last time as finalists Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, Linda Barker and Jake Canuso compete to be crowned the top splasher, or something, in a live 90-minute extravaganza.
Digital Spy will be saying goodbye to one of our favourite TV guilty pleasures with commentary, updates, some loving ribbing and occasional declarations of 'phwoar' in this live blog. Join us for the Splash! final from 7pm.
20:33Thanks for joining us for the Splash! live blog, all. We know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it turned out alright in the end didn't it? Carry on the convo in the comments section below, as we leave you with this lovely revelation from Dom Joly.
Tonight, Tom Daley will slip on his trunks for one last time as finalists Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, Linda Barker and Jake Canuso compete to be crowned the top splasher, or something, in a live 90-minute extravaganza.
Digital Spy will be saying goodbye to one of our favourite TV guilty pleasures with commentary, updates, some loving ribbing and occasional declarations of 'phwoar' in this live blog. Join us for the Splash! final from 7pm.
20:33Thanks for joining us for the Splash! live blog, all. We know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it turned out alright in the end didn't it? Carry on the convo in the comments section below, as we leave you with this lovely revelation from Dom Joly.
- 2/2/2013
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has covered a David Guetta hit. The singer has teamed up with her former fellow X Factor contestant Bradley Johnson (from boyband NuVibe) to perform a rendition of 'Titanium'. The star uploaded a clip of the stripped-down version to her YouTube channel, while working on material for her debut album. "So I've been in the studio a lot this week...and who did I bump into, but the gorgeous Bradley from last year's show (he was in NuVibe but now he is working on his solo album)," Brucknell wrote. (more)...
- 12/11/2012
- by By Lewis Corner
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor contestant Kitty Brucknell has slammed finalist Christopher Maloney in a series of drunken tweets. Brucknell shared her support for Jahmene Douglas, but also her dislike of Maloney on Twitter during the live final. The X Factor reject started her tirade with: "Ahahhahaa Chris just got booed at an arena! Lol!!! Manchester u rule..." (sic) She then tweeted three minutes later: "Yeah ok. That was kinda mean. Im sorry. But im drunk (more)...
- 12/8/2012
- by By Charlotte Grant-West
- Digital Spy
Louis Walsh has hit back at Gary Barlow's suggestion that Walsh had made the Overs category "a joke" on The X Factor. When Walsh has mentored the Overs, he has brought acts such as Wagner, Johnny Robinson, Kitty Brucknell and Tesco Mary to the Live Shows. Speaking earlier this week, the Take That star claimed that he wanted to bring some seriousness and credibility to the Overs this year. Commenting on Barlow's remark, Walsh said: "Gary is new to this business, what does he know? "I've been doing it for nine years. I know more about it than he does. I always work really hard (more)...
- 10/5/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
X Factor's Carolynne Poole has spoken out about her failure on last year's show and why she believes her "sex appeal" will boost her chances in 2012. The 31-year-old former Wag missed out at Louis Walsh's Judges' Houses in the 2011 series and she believes that it was partly down to eccentric acts such as Frankie Cocozza and Kitty Brucknell hogging the limelight. Speaking to X Factor sponsors Talk Talk, Poole said: "This year is different for me. I'm not standing in the background this year. No way, no way. "Last year I just stood back and let everyone else take centre stage with their flashing pants and tattooed (more)...
- 9/25/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Gary Barlow has claimed that the Overs category is the one to watch on this year's X Factor. Louis Walsh's Overs in 2011 - Sami Brookes, Kitty Brucknell, Jonjo Kerr and Johnny Robinson - struggled in the competition and the Irish judge didn't get a single act to the final. However, Barlow has tipped the category for success this year, describing the standard of acts as "superb". "The category to watch is the Overs. The Overs category hasn't been taken that seriously in the last few years but it has turned into the biggest contender (more)...
- 8/13/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor star Kitty Brucknell has urged her Twitter followers to abuse a cold caller. The singer posted the number of a "douchebag" salesman to her 89,000 followers, claiming that he had behaved rudely to her on the phone. "This douchebag just called me trying to sell me a loan/double glazing/whatever," she wrote. "When I told him to get lost...he left an abusive message on my answerphone. "So....I ask all my divas to show him the same courtesy...#getyourownback." (more)...
- 8/2/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has confirmed the title of her debut single. The singer revealed that her first track is titled 'Red Shoes' and will be released later this year. She tweeted: "Omg. Just listened to the master mix of Red Shoes!so excited! X (sic)". Tellymix describes it as "a very, very good track", adding: "It is instantly catchy and I can see this going down a (more)...
- 7/25/2012
- by By Robert Copsey
- Digital Spy
The X Factor 2012 tour kicked off in Manchester at the weekend with all the stars of last year's series performing their most-loved tracks from the show. Champions Little Mix and runner-up Marcus Collins topped the bill, but Kitty Brucknell and Johnny Robinson also provided typically outlandish showcases for fans. Boyband The Risk, ex-biscuit factory worker Craig Colton, finalist Amelia Lily and flame-haired diva Janet Devlin also took to the stage. Misha B picked up some of the biggest (more)...
- 2/27/2012
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Kitty Brucknell has reportedly been named in divorce papers filed by a former male stripper. The ex-Britney Spears lookalike was named as an "aggravating factor" in Scott Jordan's separation from his wife Kelli after she apparently bombarded the Justin Timberlake impersonator with calls asking them to get back together. According to the Daily Star, Brucknell repeatedly contacted Jordan at his marital home in Florida during her time on The X Factor and requested they rekindle their romance for publicity. However, a friend of Brucknell's has cast doubt on (more)...
- 12/15/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
X Factor's Tulisa Contostavlos has revealed that she misses watching Kitty Brucknell on the ITV1 talent show. The N-Dubz star described Brucknell as "brilliantly bonkers" and claimed that she missed her more than any other act who had left the competition. "I miss Kitty. She was brilliantly bonkers," Contostavlos told X Factor's official site. "You never knew what she was going to pull out the bag. I'd await her performances with baited breath." > Kitty Brucknell poses naked: 'I'm too weird for X Factor' Contostavlos also ruled out any potential (more)...
- 11/30/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jessie J is apparently "fuming" that Misha B has already performed her new single on The X Factor. Jessie is due to sing 'Who You Are' on tonight's result show, but is unhappy that Misha sang the track as her survival song after landing in the bottom two. "Two weeks ago when Misha was in the sing-off with Kitty Brucknell, she wanted to sing 'Who You Are'," a source told the Sunday Mirror. "She loves Jessie and sees her as an inspiration so it was a real honour. "But Jessie and her camp had wanted tonight to be the first (more)...
- 11/27/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has revealed that another X Factor contestant called her a "joke act" during her time on the show. The singer, who was eliminated on Lady GaGa vs Queen week earlier this month, told Heat that she is no longer upset by the remark. "I was asleep in the dressing room once and I heard one of them say, 'Kitty's got the big production number this week, but it's okay because she's a joke act'," she said. "I won't tell you [who said it]. But I think everyone has their own insecurities, so I'm not bothered about it now." Asked about the tension between herself and Misha B, Brucknell said: "We're both very ambitious and we're both very determined people. We had to agree to disagree and not talk. "We just said, 'Look, we're both really determined to (more)...
- 11/22/2011
- by By Mayer Nissim
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has said that she was "too weird" for The X Factor. The singer was voted off the ITV1 competition two weeks ago, after a sing-off with Misha B. Speaking to Heat magazine, Brucknell said that she was "gutted" but "relieved" to have left the series. "I think in the grander scheme of things it's okay. I came into the competition the most-hated contestant ever, and I don't think I've left that way," she said. "It was inevitable that I would go in the sing-off, because Misha's a better singer and more marketable." She added: "I'm just such a f**king weird person. I'm too weird for The X Factor. I'm extremely annoying. But I'm also very passionate and professional. And you can't have one without the other." Speaking about her previous experience with (more)...
- 11/22/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Craig Colton has revealed what went on backstage on last week's X Factor, when Lady GaGa met the finalists of the reality show. After last week's results show, GaGa ran on stage and comforted eliminated contestant Kitty Brucknell and took her to her dressing room for a drink. Colton told Digital Spy that GaGa also spent time with the other acts, offering advice and words of encouragement for the future. "Lady GaGa was lovely. She was not at all what I was expecting. She was so down to Earth, so graceful as well," said the Liverpool singer. "She just came down in her dressing gown to speak to everyone and it was really relaxed. It's not the whole character that you expect her to be. She gave everyone time. "She showed her true personality when she went on stage with Kitty at the end. I (more)...
- 11/19/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Jedward have revealed that they are backing Amelia Lily to win The X Factor. The duo, who competed in the 2009 series of the competition, told Digital Spy that they want the singer to be crowned the winner in next month's final. Describing her as "fresh", John Grimes said that Lily is "totally different" and could "offer a lot more" than the other singers in the competition.
The twins also said that they were disappointed by Kitty Brucknell's "crazy" exit from the ITV1 show last weekend. "Kitty and Lady GaGa should become best friends. Kitty should go on a world tour with Lady GaGa," (more)...
The twins also said that they were disappointed by Kitty Brucknell's "crazy" exit from the ITV1 show last weekend. "Kitty and Lady GaGa should become best friends. Kitty should go on a world tour with Lady GaGa," (more)...
- 11/18/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Frankie Cocozza has not been added to the lineup for The X Factor's 2012 live tour. The axed singer, who was dropped from the ITV1 show earlier this month, does not appear in the confirmed list of performers. It had been suggested yesterday (November 16) that Cocozza could make an appearance on the tour. Eliminated finalists Kitty Brucknell, Johnny Robinson and The Risk will join the competition's remaining hopefuls Misha Bryan - aka Misha B - Marcus Collins, Craig Colton, Janet Devlin, Amelia Lily and Little Mix.
> 'X Factor' Frankie Cocozza hits London nightclub: pictures
> 'X Factor' to have 'Movies' themed week Brucknell - who is due to perform at a We Sing event in Leicester Square today (November 17) and at G-a-y on Saturday, November 19 - said: (more)...
> 'X Factor' Frankie Cocozza hits London nightclub: pictures
> 'X Factor' to have 'Movies' themed week Brucknell - who is due to perform at a We Sing event in Leicester Square today (November 17) and at G-a-y on Saturday, November 19 - said: (more)...
- 11/17/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Frankie Cocozza has not been added to the lineup for The X Factor's 2012 live tour. The axed singer, who was dropped from the ITV1 show earlier this month, does not appear in the confirmed list of performers. It had been suggested yesterday (November 16) that Cocozza could make an appearance on the tour. Eliminated finalists Kitty Brucknell, Johnny Robinson and The Risk will join the competition's remaining hopefuls Misha Bryan - aka Misha B - Marcus Collins, Craig Colton, Janet Devlin, Amelia Lily and Little Mix, according to The Mirror.
> 'X Factor' Frankie Cocozza hits London nightclub: pictures
> 'X Factor' to have 'Movies' themed week Brucknell - who is due to perform at a We Sing event in Leicester Square today (November 17) and at G-a-y on (more)...
> 'X Factor' Frankie Cocozza hits London nightclub: pictures
> 'X Factor' to have 'Movies' themed week Brucknell - who is due to perform at a We Sing event in Leicester Square today (November 17) and at G-a-y on (more)...
- 11/17/2011
- by By Kate Goodacre
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell will give one of her first post-x Factor performances at a We Sing party in London this week. The former contestant will cover a number of songs in celebration of the karaoke game series. Audience members will also be able to sing on the night, with the best performer concluding the evening by duetting with Brucknell herself. "We're absolutely thrilled to confirm the attendance of possibly the most talked-about performer in the country right now," said sales and marketing director Nik Blower. "The We Sing games have always been about getting people performing with a smile (more)...
- 11/16/2011
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
Former X Factor contestant Kitty Brucknell has reportedly said that Amelia Lily's return to the show is "not fair". The Britney Spears impersonator was eliminated from the ITV contest on Sunday (November 13), 24 hours after Lily re-entered as a replacement for axed singer Frankie Cocozza. The 17-year-old was initially voted out by mentor Kelly Rowland in the first week of the live stages. Speaking to The Mirror, Brucknell revealed that Lily's delayed comeback had caused dissent amongst the acts. "It's one of those things that I'm not in the show anymore so I can't really comment - but I think there's a few people in the show who are like, 'Oh it's not really (more)...
- 11/15/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has told Digital Spy that she has sympathy for Frankie Cocozza over his X Factor exit last week. Cocozza was thrown off the ITV1 show last Tuesday after it was revealed that he had broken a "golden rule" of the competition. The 18-year-old singer is believed to have boasted about cocaine use backstage. Brucknell, who exited this weekend, said that she was a fan of the Brighton performer and that she hoped he could still achieve his dreams without the support of the show. "[I have] a whole load of sympathy for him. I just hope he can learn from this and move on to be the rock star that he wants to be," she said. "I always looked forward to (more)...
- 11/14/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! returned strongly to ITV1 on Sunday evening, while Kitty's X Factor exit eclipsed Strictly Come Dancing, the latest audience data has revealed. Series 11 of I'm A Celebrity launched with 11.5m (42.4%) on ITV1 from 9pm, peaking at 12m (41.5%) during the opening 15 minutes, but gradually declining towards 10.30pm. The jungle reality programme also had 265k (1.5%) on ITV1+1, while spinoff show I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here Now! set up camp with 758k (5.3%) on ITV2 from 10pm. In a strong night for ITV, the departure of Kitty Brucknell from The X Factor was seen by
12.49m (41.9%) on ITV1 from 8pm, peaking at 13.67m (44.9%) for the final 15 minutes. The X Factor results grabbed a further 166k (0.6%) on ITV1+1, but The Xtra Factor slumped to 479k (1.7%) for (more)...
12.49m (41.9%) on ITV1 from 8pm, peaking at 13.67m (44.9%) for the final 15 minutes. The X Factor results grabbed a further 166k (0.6%) on ITV1+1, but The Xtra Factor slumped to 479k (1.7%) for (more)...
- 11/14/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Kitty Brucknell has credited Lady GaGa with helping her overcome her elimination from the show. The Britney Spears impersonator, who received a hug from GaGa after being voted off yesterday (November 13), said that the 'Marry The Night' star made her feel more secure about her emotional side. "We chatted for an hour, she gave me the biggest pep talk ever," Brucknell told Daybreak. "I was so emotional, but she was emotional too! It made me feel better because I cry all the time and was worried I was a psycho, but Lady GaGa does it too." Brucknell added that she had genuinely expected (more)...
- 11/14/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell was voted off 'The X Factor' last night (13.11.11). The controversial hopeful - who landed in the bottom two alongside Misha B - took on head judge Gary Barlow's advice and stripped everything back with her sing-off performance of 'Over The Rainbow' following Saturday night's Lady Gaga and Queen-themed episode. However, after failing to connect with the public throughout the competition, only Kitty's own mentor, Louis Walsh, voted to keep her in the ITV1 show over Misha, who performed a rendition of Jessie J's 'Who You Are'. Tulisa Contostavlos told the pair: "I think you are both amazingly talented, but I...
- 11/14/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Lady GaGa has comforted X Factor contestant Kitty Brucknell following her elimination from the show. Brucknell, who has repeatedly named the 'Marry The Night' singer as a musical inspiration, was voted out of the ITV contest tonight (November 13) following a sing-off with Misha B. As Caroline Flack and Olly Murs wrapped up an interview with an emotional Brucknell on The Xtra Factor, GaGa stunned everyone by running onto the stage and giving the axed contestant a tight hug. Brucknell could be seen shaking as GaGa, who performed on tonight's X Factor results show, patted (more)...
- 11/13/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Kitty Brucknell has been eliminated from The X Factor. Louis Walsh's last remaining act found herself in the bottom two during tonight's show alongside Misha B, who is mentored by Kelly Rowland. Brucknell gave a heartfelt rendition of Judy Garland classic 'Over The Rainbow' as her safety song, while Misha B chose Jessie J's 'Who You Are' for the sing-off. In the judges' vote, Dermot O'Leary first came to Walsh, who described the sing-off as featuring "incredible, emotional performances from two amazing girls", but ultimately backed his own act. Tulisa Contostavlos similarly called both girls "amazingly talented" and said that they had given "one of the most dramatic sing-offs ever". However, she chose to save Misha B, saying that the 19-year-old was "the person I can (more)...
- 11/13/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Kitty Brucknell has claimed that she can "identify" with axed contestant Frankie Cocozza. The Britney Spears impersonator suggested that Cocozza's alleged drug use was his way of coping with the controversy surrounding his success on the show. "I can identify with Frankie," The Mirror quotes her as saying. "I think maybe I should have given him a hug. "Guys and girls deal with criticism very differently. I got upset and everyone knew I was upset. He bottled it up inside." Brucknell, who has twice finished in the bottom two of the public vote, (more)...
- 11/12/2011
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
X Factor's Kitty Brucknell, Janet Devlin and Marcus Collins have told Digital Spy which of their former rivals they want voted back into the competition tonight. Following Frankie Cocozza's shock exit earlier this week, it was announced that either Amelia Lily, Jonjo Kerr, James Michael or 2 Shoes would win the vacant place in the live shows. Speaking after rehearsals for tonight's live show, Brucknell admitted that she would have "loved" fellow Overs finalist Johnny Robinson to return after his exit last week. "I like 2 Shoes. I want 2 Shoes back," she said. "I know it sounds weird, I should probably be backing Jonjo, but let's face it, he wasn't very nice to me. For the fun, I want 2 Shoes back!" After his elimination in the first week, Kerr criticised (more)...
- 11/12/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
X Factor star Kitty Brucknell has called on fans not to give up their attempts to keep her in the competition. The singer has twice survived the sing-off, which last week saw Johnny Robinson eliminated from the ITV1 show. Speaking to Digital Spy this afternoon, Brucknell admitted that she has continued to read the "hilarious" DS Forums to find out public opinion of her performances. "Your forums are hilarious," Brucknell laughed. "You know what I love about them though, they really are the extreme of the public. "It's interesting, because when I was in the bottom two, I went on the forums to read why people didn't vote, why they did and stuff like that. It's really interesting. Some people were like, 'I'm not voting for Kitty because, although I like her, I don't think she can win'." She explained: (more)...
- 11/11/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
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