ITV insist X Factor judges doing a 'fantastic job'

Adam Crozier, ITV‘s chief executive, has insisted that the X Factor judges are doing a ‘fantastic job’ and the singing competition doesn’t need another revamp despite ratings being lower than in previous years.

The current series – which will conclude at the weekend – has been plagued by low ratings since it reached the live shows. There were complaints early on about the length of the live shows as viewers felt they went on for too long. The twist at the start of the live shows, in which each judge picked one of their own acts to send home, had a mixed reaction from viewers. The exit of Frankie Cocozza might have generated a lot of media coverage but ultimately it didn’t do the X Factor any favours as it added to the impression that this year’s series has been far from a success.

The lower ratings have been put down to, by some, the new line-up of judges which consists of Gary Barlow, Kelly Rowland and Tulisa Contostavlos with only Louis Walsh returning from previous years. There has been constant reports of Simon Cowell returning and Kelly or Tulisa being replaced by Cheryl Cole – all the reports have been untrue. Adam Crozier, speaking at the Broadcasting Press Guild on Wednesday, has insisted the judges are doing a good job. He told journalists ‘I think the new judges have done a fantastic job and are important to the future of the show’.

Crozier also defended the ratings performance of the X Factor. ‘Although X Factor is down year on year it compares favourably to every other year. You’ve got to put it in perspective, X Factor across Saturday and Sunday night is the biggest show in the UK’

His words though are unlikely to stop elements of the press speculating over who will be axed and who will return for next year’s X Factor.

(via Media Guardian)