The X Factor. We've only just begun
In the first of a regular series we keep an eye – and occasionally even an ear – on all things X Factor.
Don't have a Cowell, man!
The X Factor was back, but Simon Cowell wasn't. Neither was Cheryl Cole or Dannii Minogue, for that matter. So how much did we miss them from the first show?
Asked by the Sun who they missed most, 51% of viewers said Cowell, followed by Cole (27%) and Minogue (22%). Another 4% said they missed Louis Walsh, only to be told he's still on it. We made that last one up.
Cowell, for his part, reckons it's a better show without him, reports the Sun. That's The X Factor, co-produced by Cowell's production company, Syco. Maybe he should drop himself from the US version of the show as well.
It's a scandal! Such a scandal!
Two days in and time for our first The X Factor controversy. Besides the vague appearance of underarm hair displayed by judge Tulisa at the V Festival in Essex, that is.
The Daily Mirror claims Roxy Yarnold – a pizza waitress and "early front runner" – has "strong links" with Cowell's Syco record label and Walsh bigged her up in an interview in 2007. But does she shave her pits?
Bum note
The Sun and the Daily Star can't resist a screen grab – ooer! – of "X Factor hunk" Frankie Cocozza's arse. He's got seven ladies' names tattooed on it, you see. "I only slept with one of the girls," he says. Loser.
Let it be
Clearly in a state of denial about the new judging lineup, the Star shoehorns in a picture of Cheryl Cole in its The X Factor double-page spread. Leave it chaps, she's gone. It's over.
