Simon's comments about John and Louis crossed the line from bitchy banter to genuine unpleasantness.

I also thought the inate British racism was reflected in the last three - all black.

OK - we've had black winners but I suspect there is a nasty undercurrent in the audience.

And the entire series is starting to reek of something strange; I think the reality decade is ending.

1 Direction, as always intended and predicted here weeks ago, will win. I hope so. I got 25-1.

JK2006 wrote:
I got 25-1

You were robbed....

Though actually the last two were black singers surely? If there is only one eviction the name in third place is merely there because producers have decided to call the names in that order?!

In the past few weeks I have noticed that X Factor is getting much interest from the public, but in our house it has not been on for more than a few minutes.

All it seems to do is feature droning singers. Yes, that is what it is all about I hear you say, but honestly, the radio is already solid with nasal, shouty and bland modern singers - and this is what is popular on these shows. They all seem to sound the same, with each new 'star' lasting around a year before fading. These singers/songs were playing at McDonalds on Saturday and it was making my food go down in lumps. Far too screechy.

If I saw someone come on with a truly sweet voice (like karen Carpenter) or even play a dulcimer or lute and add an extra sparkle to their performance I would take notice, but as it stands I have lost interest in hearing more of the same.

What are your thoughts?

I've got to agree; I think the X Factor has really lost the plot; judges turning nasty; acts inferior; cheating (One Direction will certainly win for Simon); and at the same time Strictly is improving (even the off camera singing is better) as can be seen by the ratings growth.

HAd lost it last year.

It is now on a par with MR BLOBBY's fall from grace on BBC with Noel Edmonds and House Party.

This X FACTOR party is over - killed by RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE where the UK Public voted against X FACTOR. It is no longer cool or essential. Only saddos watch it to be fair. I have not watched one minute of this series and dont intend to watch it. I work in music and love music - that is my reason for avoiding it.