Dermot O'Leary believes The X Factor needs to take a break
He also slams the controversial Six Chair Challenge
Former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary believes the struggling show needs to take a year off to revive its popularity.
Once almost untouchable in the ratings war with the BBC, ITV’s singing talent show lost over a million viewers last year and was regularly trounced by Strictly Come Dancing.
Winner Louisa Johnson also became the first act to score a number one single with ‘Forever Young’, which peaked at a lowly number 9.
Offering his opinion, Dermot says that the show needs a much-deserved rest after 12 series and needs to return to its classic format.
"If I was Simon I'd take it off air for a year,” he told the Radio Times. “I would rest it, and then I would get back to the rooms. For me it was always room, arena, boot camp."
Dermot also slammed the Six Chair Challenge where contestants are temporarily given spots in the final six, only to be switched for other acts.
"I was really uncomfortable about the Six Chair Challenge," he added. "I don't think it's a particularly nice bit of television.
“One of the reasons people like ‘Strictly’ is because it is a very warm show, and I think you’ve got to keep that in mind.”
Asked about Olly Murs’ massive gaffe on the show, where he accidentally revealed Monica was being sent home, Dermot explained it was a tough job.
He said: “You never want other people to fail, but sometimes you need a few cock-ups to remind people it’s a finely honed craft.”