...who looks a bit like Ricky Gervais - does anyone else find it slightly uncomfortable and a bit tasteless that he seems to be trading his tragic story (of the death of his wife..)...for votes? and that everyone is going for it? or have I got that completely wrong?...

Peter Kay tried it with R.Wayne...and he still didn't win!!

Not a subject that I particularly like to comment on, due to the tragic circumstances, but the very fact that I have not before shows that I agree with you "Alan".

I think there would be a certain dignity in carrying on in the face of such adversity, after all - everyone has life problems to deal with - but to keep mentioning it at every crucial 'voting' moment is a bit... obvious...isn't it?

Surely I'm not the only 'uncaring sod' who thinks this..? Isn't this what the show was trying to avoid...?

It`s a "reality" show, it will not avoid anything tasteless or upsetting.

His wife's death is sad, of course...but death comes to us all - so what is more upsetting? Him using his own personal tragic circumstances for gain (in my opinion)?...or the voters for falling for it..? (and the panel - or are they in on it?...they may be sicker than I thought!!) or is it down to his talent?? - or is it just me??!

All I can say is that, if the awful event had happened to myself, I would not have used it as a promotional sympathy tool, as the sweetest person in the world that I am married to, would not have approved.

Easy to overlook the fact that contestants are encouraged to use any element of tragedy in their lives by the producers in the programme. A friend of mine worked on X Factor last year and they would often tell contestants when filming pieces that the camera wasn't rolling and then ask what's the most traumatic thing that's happened to them...all while the camera was rolling of course.

Yes I saw it, and Scott who got voted off was so annoyed/gutted, he had to be stopped saying something he may regret, as it was clear he did not approve.

Irrespective of his motives, if he is in the bottom two again, he will not use that again as the public/judges will get bored.

It's simply The X Factor falling to the lowest common denominator. You saw it all years ago with the big fat guy and G G G Gareth Gates and his stutter. Pick a human fault or failing and exploit it because they know there will be viewers who will feel sorry for them. However constantly going on about his wife's death to try and drum up sympathy is cheap and pathetic. He should be using his opportunity to move on from that tragedy, not milk and exploit it to try and win a lousy TV contest.

The show isn't getting the headlines like it used to, so they're desperately pouncing on anything they can find to try and keep the bored British public interested. Usually one of judges will walk out but I think even they realise they've done that too often. It's pointless and irrelevant pap TV. It's had it's day and it's time it was retired.

It's so out of touch with the current climate too since I view the X Factor as something that is desperately trying to cling to the tired old industry model that is no longer viable.

Get rid of it and bring back TOTP. (Fat chance).

If this is so transparent, why isn't something being done? - some of you are industry insiders...have a word! Surely the likes of Cowell, Walsh et al cant be so desperate for 'success' that they will allow the memory of a premature death swing a sympathy vote - basically to sell units. Its a sign of our vacuous, fascile, fickle times - people will ease their greedy selfish consience - how? by voting for the sob story on a 'talent show'?? - Its our fault for not saying anything, so I will - Its a bleedin' con and that bloke should be ashamed of himself!!

Now, excuse me - I'm off to watch some quality TV - Kerry on 'Whole Again' on MTV and listen to J.Ross & Russell Brand's puerile offensive immature shite (Yes, it is....actually!!!)