The X Factor

So X Factor fans are up in arms over Simon Cowell's decision to pass on the opportunity to get rid of Irish inbreds, John and Edward Grimes during Sunday night's eviction show. Cowell has been branded a coward for not casting the final vote that would have sealed the duos fate, as instead he opted for the public vote count to decide who would be leaving the show. Alanis Morrissette mini-pop, Lucie, was the one cast aside like a dirty tissue, leaving the ridiculously quiffed brothers to fight another day. Fans of The X Factor are so riled with Cowell's decision not to vote, that they are calling for a boycott of the show, which has left some commentators claiming this to be the beginning of the end for this end of the pier talent contest.

What Angry from Tunbridge Wells fails to realise, is that reality programmes such as X Factor are produced as much for business as they are for entertainment. Keeping John and Edward in the competition continues to ensure column inches for the show, and keeps it the topic dujour around the country's water coolers. Lets face it, once these two simpletons have left the show, what else is there to tune in for? Especially when the favourite to win the overall competition - and therefore guarantee themselves the coveted Xmas number 1 - has been likened to a cross between Robbie Williams and Will Young. That's an even scarier thought than having Jedward's moronic faces staring into our living rooms just as we're about to tuck into our turkey.