The X-Factor 2010 - And the winner is . . .

BY JASON WRIGHT

JUST three acts now remained in the running, going through into one of television’s biggest nights of the year, the final night of The X-Factor itself!  Pubs and clubs across the country were packed and nearly 20 million were glued to the TV at home, waiting to see if either Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson or One Direction would become Britain’s next big music star.

Dermot O’Leary must have been taking fashion tips from Louis Walsh as he emerged out onto stage at the beginning wearing a film-style suit and bow tie, something that Walsh has exhibited every Sunday since the fourth week of the contest.  The night began with a rendition of Take That’s ‘Never Forget’ by the final three, joined halfway through by the band themselves.

CLASS: Matt kept his A level up throughout the show

Just like last night each act’s first song was a new one and Matt kicked off with a rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’, putting yet another unique twist on it as he has done with most of his performances so far.  Questions though were raised over his dress sense for the first performance but that was his choice so there wasn’t a problem with it.  Meanwhile, after the troubles of Saturday night in Colchester, it was second time lucky there on Sunday and Stacey Solomon was able to chat to the supporters.

One Direction came next with their take on Natalie Imbruglia’s ‘Torn’.  Performing it atop a makeshift arch in the middle of the stage, they had the crowd and their fans over in Doncaster in hysterics for the umpteenth time and only strengthening their emphasis that this could really happen, a group could potentially win the show!

SWEET: Rebecca's dreams will probably come true

Finally, it was the turn of Rebecca Ferguson performing ‘Sweet Dreams’, the song did exactly what it said in the title, again the Liverpool lass sung it in such a soulful and heartfelt way and received huge acclaim from the judges again.  Her followers back in Merseyside once again voiced their approval but with Matt’s huge chances and One Direction’s big backing, it seemed a tough call for her to get into the last two.

After the pressures of the first songs, a little bit of humour was now injected into the night.  No, it wasn’t the return of Wagner but something worse than that, the return of the those who failed miserably in the auditions.  Performing the Lady Gaga hit ‘Bad Romance’, it was predictably so out of tune but just great to watch.  After all, they usually take the great appeal during the early stages of the competition just for their bad ability.

GLUM: Simon and One Direction after their demise

Voting lines were then frozen again. Only two acts would make into the third and most crucial phase of the final.  With the final three all in their smart and formal wear, it was revealed that Matt and Rebecca would move forward to sing again.  One Direction had been sensationally knocked out and it left them, their fans and even mentor Simon Cowell stunned and shattered.  Certainly though, this is not the last of them, they will surely become the next big boyband.

So Matt and Rebecca were now within touching distance of the X-Factor crown and just one more performance would now take them there, it would of course be a performance that would be released as their debut single should they win.  However this time there was a twist, both acts (as well as the already eliminated One Direction and Cher should they been in this position) had recorded a song which was suited to their voice instead of the traditional method of choosing just one song for the final pair which sometimes can be at a disadvantage.

First up was Matt performing his cover of Biffy Clyro’s ‘Many of Horror’ which was renamed in this take as ‘When We Collide’.  Yet again, Matt transformed this song from its original core rock into his own style and it totally worked and the judges seemed to say that it was his competition to lose now, though Simon of course didn’t want to count out the opposition yet.

So what could Rebecca offer instead?  Well she took the brave gamble of covering ‘Distant Dreamer’ by Duffy, and brave because it has never been released as a single.  This may work at a huge disadvantage but it still had plenty of potential.  Simon was right, don’t count her out yet and he used his trademark comment of not being able to claim it was a definite victory for anyone.  Many must have been thinking over what the chances were of placing a bet on a dead heat.

After Take That returned to perform another sensational number, the waiting was over and lines closed and the result was submitted.  Millions of votes were casted and after the usual tense wait, Dermot revealed the public decided that the winner of The X Factor 2010 should be…Matt Cardle!

SPEECHLESS: Both Matt and Danni look overwhelmed

Matt was left undoubtedly speechless after his success.  Dannii Minogue was delighted in joining Simon and Cheryl Cole in the ranks of being a two-time X Factor champion.  Cheryl at last was defeated and Rebecca offered congratulations to Matt.  Once again, I think this will not be the last of Rebecca; she will again get a music deal.

That just left Matt to bring down the curtain on this series with his first proper performance of his debut single, after which all of the beaten finalists (minus Cher Lloyd, who was mysteriously absent with no reason) came to his side to also say their congratulations.  The right winner indeed and it was proved as the official voting stats showed afterwards that he topped the board every time since week two but in the final he was chased all the way and won by just a narrow margin.

Round-up of the series

Despite a great final weekend, overall the series has been a massive disappointment, mainly due to the controversy and drama off camera.  It was surprising that the judges managed to keep it under control throughout most of it.  Simon Cowell always set things right and took responsibility for anything that went wrong, Dannii Minogue did a great job considering she missed the auditions due to her pregnancy whilst Louis Walsh was as impartial and usually foolish as before.  However the worst of the lot was Cheryl Cole, a disaster from start to finish.  While it was nice to see her back from her malaria scare, it screwed up her mind.  She became arrogant, thoughtless, and made decisions that were usually disgraceful.  Personally I don’t think we’ll see Cheryl back next year and there is great chance she will be replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, following her successful stint as a guest judges in the auditions and bootcamp this year.

This also may be Simon Cowell’s last stint, as The X-Factor airs in the US in the same time as the UK next year.  Before he has managed the show plus the American Idol auditions at the same time so I think he will be able to do it.  Plus, Dermot O’Leary may also be on the way out with reports that he may be off the present the new US version of the show.  Christine Bleakley, Davina McCall, Caroline Flack, Vernon Kay and Stephen Mulhern are the names that have been mostly tipped to take over should Dermot defect across the Atlantic.  If he goes, it is important that ITV will need to employ someone that has the ability to keep the show in its stride.

WINNER: Matt with Danni and the winning single 'When we Collide'

Whatever the case, The X-Factor has produced another great winner and good luck to Matt for what the future holds for him.  The countdown to summer 2011 and series eight is now well and truly underway.

The X-Factor 2010 - The final straight

BY JASON WRIGHT

A RECORD number of people applied to change their lives and now after months of competitive action, four acts were left standing.  Facing what is certainly the biggest weekend of their lives, only one out of Cher Lloyd, Matt Cardle, One Direction or Rebecca Ferguson could win the final.

For the final weekend, the show’s set changed attire with the familiar blue backgrounds replaced with a more warming gold, making it feel a bit like the classic gameshow Going for Gold.  All four judges were jazzed up for the occasion, three in the ambitions of mentoring the winning act…and the luckless Louis Walsh, once again a spectator for the finale.

FIRST: Matt began proceedings and was solid as ever

After the final kicked off with a last group performance of ‘What a Feeling’ by all 16 finalists, the competition proper got underway.  Again, each act would perform twice and in the first round, they performed a new song instead a previous one.  First up was the favourite with the bookies, Matt performing ‘Here with me’.  Once again, Matt had been struggling with the after effects of laryngitis from previous, so once again his vocal range was limited but still, as with any other performance, he gave it his all.  Not everything went smoothly however back in his hometown fanbase of Colchester.  Fresh from her success down under, Stacey Solomon was given responsibility to give a report but a technical glitch meant she was unable to do so and left viewers with just pictures of his cheering fans.  The great uses of today’s modern technology!

STAR: Rebecca will go onto better things

Next to perform was Rebecca, her soulful voice has made her a standout act in the competition and she was certainly given her just reward with a place in the final.  Her first performance of the night was ‘Like a Star’.  It seemed the pressure had got to her just a little bit, but still it was very captivating from start to finish.  No such problems with the production team in Rebecca’s home of Liverpool as Coleen Rooney was assigned to join Rebecca’s supporters in a packed arena.

BREAKTHROUGH: One Direction kept their cool

The last group standing was One Direction, who perhaps went into the final with the fans advantage. The hysteria built up in their performances perhaps reminds everyone of the original Take That in the 90s.  They certainly kept cool under pressure performing ‘Your Song’, once again proving the fact that this could be a breakthrough year at least for the groups’ category.  Their popularity was proved by the support given in member Louis’ hometown of Doncaster.  Michelle Keegan, best known for her portrayal of Tina McIntyre in Coronation Street, was unlucky to have been given the role as host of the gathering there as when came to giving a report, she was caught up right in the middle of an bottleneck of fans, which seemed to look more dangerous than the tram disaster that’s currently gripping Weatherfield!

Three acts down, just one to go. It was time for Cher and despite making the end, the teen had now certainly hit a new low.  Going into the show with literally no support anymore and having been bombarded with several threats that she would be killed if she showed up on Saturday.  Fortunately, this didn’t materialise and she saved the best until last. ‘Get Ur Freak On’ was her first number, doing what she did best and as far the judges’ comments suggested, she had surprisingly taken round one.  Of course, Cher’s faithful in Malvern had certainly not given up on her, and showed up at a fan park in droves, making it another difficult job for the outside report, which was the case for BBC Radio 1’s Scott Mills.

UNIQUE: Cher had fun with Will.I.Am from Black Eyed Peas

The second round was the most looked forward to as it was the eagerly anticipated duets round.  First again was Matt performing ‘Unfaithful’ with Rihanna, it looked so hot and steamy with plenty of chemistry, and that was just the ring of fire.  Next came Rebecca with ‘Beautiful’ alongside Christina Aguilera, this was at a slow and calm paced, just as the original version was.  Next came One Direction singing ‘She’s The One’ with now regular guest Robbie Williams, it all came together, voice and performance style.  Finally Cher did a mix of ‘Where Is The Love?’ and ‘I Gotta Feeling’ with Black Eyed Peas front man Will.I.Am, perhaps the most stand out of the four because of its upbeat and unique adaption of doing two songs together.

Following additional performances from both Rihanna and Christina Aguilera, the voting lines were frozen and the first results for final weekend were delivered.  Finally, the judges had lost their power and the public were now in control.  Their votes decided that Rebecca, One Direction and Matt would be back to perform in the next phase of the final on Sunday.  A right result as they had been the three front runners throughout most of this series.

So that meant Cher, despite the heroics of the night, was finally gone.  Considering her desire to win, you would have thought she might have been a broken wreck following the announcement of her exit but she surprised everyone by being gracious and accepting the defeat.  There is no doubt she will get a contract and sell thousands of singles and albums, as if Simon Cowell doesn’t offer her a deal, it’s almost likely that Cheryl Cole will snap her up.

STANDING: The final three get set for the final round

The first half had come to an explosive conclusion and now just Matt, Rebecca and One Direction were left the running to be crowned X Factor winner 2010 and earn that life changing recording contract. But who will it be?

TO BE CONTINUED…

I'm a Celebrity. . .the class of 2010

BY JASON WRIGHT
IN SEPTEMBER 2002, ITV took over ownership of a rainforest jungle in Australia and with it, launching a new reality show; I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! in which famous faces, most of which sometimes use the show to revive their ailing careers are forced to spend two weeks (or three since 2006) together ambushed in the wilderness and having to complete challenging and usually disgusting tasks to win food and luxuries for camp.

Towards the end of the series, the celebrities are eliminated one by one by the viewing public, like a standard eviction on Big Brother.  The last celebrity standing is the winner and is honourably crowned as either the King or Queen of the Jungle.  To date, there have been nine winners: radio DJ Tony Blackburn (2002), cricketer Phil Tufnell (2003), singer Kerry Katona (Winter 2004), comedian Joe Pasquale (Autumn 2004), socialist Carol Thatcher (2005), singer Matt Willis (2006), comedian and actor Christopher Biggins (2007), soap actor Joe Swash (2008) and most recently, chef Gino D’Acampo last year.

Despite having received strong criticism in recent times that it usually employs celebrities that many have hardly heard of, it is still one of ITV1’s most popular programmes, usually raking in around eight million viewers per series and since the second 2004 series, it has become a stable place in the channel’s autumn/winter line-up.

This Sunday sees the launch of the tenth series.  Here is a lowdown of who is prepared to swap luxury for the trials and tribulations of jungle life this time around.  (Bookmaker’s odds to win are sourced by William Hill from November 11 2010)

Aggro Santos

Age: 22

Famous for: Solo singer and music producer

Known Phobias: Insects and Heights

Aggro may be little known to those who like music but has enjoyed success in R&B music and is still doing so today.  Being single, he obviously hopes to strike up a relationship with one of his fellow campmates.  Despite his fear of heights, Aggro claims he can keep cool under pressure and also hates cooking.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Britt Ekland

Age: 68

Famous for: Starring in the Bond film, The Man with the Golden Gun

Known Phobias: None

In recent times, I’m A Celebrity has resorted to getting Hollywood icons into the jungle and this year is no exception.  A legendary film actress with several big roles under her belt, including assistant to James Bond, Britt is prepared to take on everything.  She doesn’t claim to have any fears, instead relying on just what is inside.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Gillian McKeith

Age: 51

Famous for: Presenter of You Are What You Eat

Known Phobias: Snakes, Water and Heights

A nutrient expert, Gillian became very popular as the host of the long running Channel 4 show, You Are What You Eat and is also an occasional panellist on ITV1’s lunchtime show, Loose Women.  She is perhaps the celebrity out of the group with the most fears but she does aim to put it behind her and conquer her fears.

Bookmakers Odds: 20-1 joint outsider

Kayla Collins

PLAYBOY: What Kayla will feature the most?

Age: 23

Famous for: Model for Playboy magazine

Known Phobias: Eating bugs and Spiders

A last minute replacement for TV presenter Gail Porter, who has said to have dropped out on ‘personal reasons’, Kayla is aiming to become the stand-out celebrity of the pack.  Having done plenty of modelling work in the US, including for Playboy magazine, there’s no doubt Kayla will be a feisty character and will ruffle a few feathers.  However, she claims to also try and make peace in the camp too. How will these claims balance out will just have to be seen.

Bookmakers Odds: 16-1

Lembit Opik

TRIALS: Expect Lembit to face lots of these in week one

Age: 45

Famous for: Member of Parliament

Known Phobias: Spiders

Lembit is most certainly one of the most talked about MP’s of recent times.  A member of the Liberal Democrats, his time in Westminster came to end when he lost his seat in the House of Commons in this year’s general election.  He has though had his critics from the form of the public, being a politician of course, so expect him to be voted to do several Bushtucker Trials in the first week.  He will want to ultimately aim to get the people who despise him onto his side.

Bookmakers Odds: 10-1

Linford Christie

REPUTATION: Linford will be looking to restore it

Age: 50

Famous for: European, World, Commonwealth and Olympic champion in 100 metres

Known Phobias: None

Linford was a great force to be reckoned with in athletics throughout the 90s, which included winning gold at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona but his time also courted controversy such as being disqualified for a false start in the Atlanta ’96 Olympic final and four years later he failed a drugs test.  Now he hopes to bring his experience of competitiveness to the jungle and claims not to be scared of anything.    Bookmakers Odds: 10-1

Nigel Havers

Age: 59

Famous for: Drama actor

Known Phobias: None

Nigel has been through some of the best roles on television in his distinguished career, including most recently, a guest stint on Coronation Street.  He reckons that by going into jungle, people will get to see the real him and that he can have a go at anything that is thrown at him.  He could well be a person that surprises experts and does well inside.

Bookmakers Odds: 6-1

Shaun Ryder

Age: 48

Famous for: Member of the band, Happy Mondays

Known Phobias: Water and Flying

Considering that he does have a fear of flying, it’s very brave that Shaun has committed himself to the challenge.  As part of the group Happy Mondays, Shaun enjoyed chart success back in the 90s and is one of those just hoping a show like this will send him straight back into the spotlight.

Bookmakers Odds: 9-2

Sheryl Gascoigne

SPOTLIGHT: Sheryl likes the attention, will it feature here?

Age: 45

Famous for: Formerly married to Paul Gascoigne

Known Phobias: Crabs

Sheryl is well known to those who follow football, having been married to Paul Gascoigne for several years until divorcing the ex-Newcastle & Rangers star last year.  She is just relenting on being a sort of a mother figure in the camp, helping out people and trying to keep peace inside the jungle.  Her phobia of crabs is very strange as there aren’t many in the Australian jungle so this should give a perfect opportunity to see what else could scare her.

Bookmakers Odds: 20-1 joint outsider

Stacey Solomon

KICKSTART; Will this launch Stacey's career?

Age: 21

Famous for: Finishing third in The X Factor last year

Known Phobias: Insects and the Dark

Ask anybody at the start of last year if they knew Stacey Solomon and nobody would have a clue.  Stacey’s great vocals, and habit for being such a chatterbox, meant she become a popular figure on The X Factor, making it all the way to the final.  Things haven’t really taken off since then but if she can overcome nerves and stick to her own character, this could be the kick she needs to get her career up and running.

Bookmakers Odds: 2-1 favourite

Once again, there is a mixed bag of celebrities ranging from the most popular to the unknown.  Of course, they may not be the only ones in the jungle as the show producers will not only have tricks up their sleeves again but they will surely bring in another one or two celebrities into the game later on the first week, the identities of which, are of course being kept a secret.

It all begins Sunday at 9:00pm, live on ITV1 and ITV1 HD.