The X Factor: Dermot O’Leary Defends Show Against Criticisms
According to a report by GB News, former presenter Dermot O’Leary has come to the defence of The X Factor, stating that contestants were "treated really well" during their time on the show. The 51-year-old, who hosted the singing competition from 2007 to 2014 and returned for its final three seasons, acknowledged that the programme "would be made differently" if produced today.
In an interview with The Times, O’Leary claimed that many negative experiences occurred after contestants left the show rather than during filming. "If the show was made now, it’d be made differently," he said. "The culture is different, but it was pretty much always celebratory." He added that not everyone on the show would have a positive experience, but maintained that most contestants were treated well.
The X Factor, which ended in 2018, launched the careers of successful acts such as One Direction and Little Mix. However, the show has faced increasing scrutiny over its treatment of participants. Former contestants have spoken out against the programme, including Matt Terry, who won in 2016, and Katie Waissel, who appeared in 2010. Terry told MailOnline that he hoped the show "never" returns, calling it "not good for people". Waissel claimed the show "ruined" her life, saying she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder following her appearance.
O’Leary’s defence of the show comes amid concerns over the duty of care provided to contestants. Cher Lloyd stated she was "exploited" as a teenager, while Jedward once tweeted that contestants were "slaves to the show". Misha B has said she contemplated suicide after being accused of bullying on live television by judges Louis Walsh and Tulisa. O’Leary addressed these concerns, saying that duty of care is "an industry-wide conversation that should be had". He acknowledged the tragic death of former One Direction star Liam Payne last October, saying that he was "both wise and sort of a young soul at the same time".
The presenter revealed that he saw his role on the show as helping "to normalise the experience for contestants". He told The Sunday Times that he would often go out of his way to support participants, saying: "I used to go down on Thursday and Friday. I didn’t have to – I just took the job seriously." O’Leary explained that he would make extra efforts to ensure contestants were comfortable, adding: "So I’d ingratiate myself with the singers and make sure they were comfortable, because you want them to be able to have their moment on the weekend."
Despite the show’s declining viewership in its later years, O’Leary maintains that The X Factor was largely a positive experience for most contestants. He said: "Most of the people we had on were treated really well, and a lot of people who have talked negatively about their experiences are talking about what happened after they left." O’Leary concluded that duty of care is "the most important thing when doing shows like this" and that it would be taken "even more thoroughly" if the show were produced today.
As reported by GB News, O’Leary’s comments come as a response to criticisms of the show, which has been accused of having a negative impact on contestants. While some have praised the show for launching their careers, others have spoken out about the pressures and challenges they faced during and after their time on the programme. The debate highlights the need for a continued conversation about the duty of care provided to contestants on reality TV shows like The X Factor.
The show’s impact on contestants has been a topic of discussion for several years, with many calling for greater support and protection for those appearing on reality TV shows. As the television industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how shows like The X Factor will adapt to changing attitudes and concerns about contestant welfare.
It is worth noting that according to GB News, Simon Cowell has come under fire in recent years over The X Factor controversies. The news provider also reported that One Direction was formed on ITV reality show The X Factor.
