Former ITV director of programmes Simon Shaps could barely hide his glee when asked what his erstwhile employer should do about The X Factor, now that Simon Cowell and about 2 million viewers have deserted the show. Speaking on Radio 4's The Media Show, Shaps said that Cowell's US adventure had left a "fundamental" void in the show, of which he had ultimate oversight until he was bundled out of his ITV office to make way for Peter Fincham in 2008. "I do think in studio shows you miss him," said Shaps. "I'm sitting at home thinking there's something missing." You're not alone, Simon. Any words of wisdom for your successor? "Next year if I was there I would be saying to Simon, 'Your country needs you. You're fundamental to the show' … I think there is inevitably a wear out factor, a built-in obsolescence with these shows, and it's only a question of when they begin to decline. The trick is to spot that and do something about it." Revenge is a dish best served… live on a BBC national radio station.
