Good morning all!

I thought this topic really deserved a thread of it's own (if one was done yonks ago I do apologise, I only started using this section of the forum last series).

I trust that several of you have actually read this? I have just finished reading it for the second time and I think it's a work of genius! I adore Ben Elton's writing, he's a very clever chap, although I do appreciate he is not to everybody's taste.

I would say to any of you (if there are any of you left) who believe what they see on XF to read this book. It's so near the knuckle I'm amazed Cowell didn't sue Ben Elton!

Having read it again, I am convinced that Danyl is NOT the chosen one this year as it's being made too obvious.

Have a nice weekend all! x

Yes, it's an excellent read and so spot-on, I think, in terms of how it's all controlled.

when it came out, I banged on about it on here for the same reason you posted this - so much of what it contains is horribly close ot the truth and after reading it, I could never watch XF in the same way again.

I certainly don't vote anymore (OK perhaps I'm a mug in the show final).

perhaps the book should be read in conjunction with "Popcorn".

Loved the book, and it makes X-Factor much more fun to watch as a TV entertainment show rather than singing/talent contest, IMO.

It makes it obvious how controlled these shows are but don't expect a great read. The characters are all two-dimensional and almost all of them are just exaggerated versions of their X Factor counterparts (there three judges for example are a record company boss, a transexual former rock star with a reality TV show focusing around her family and daughter who wishes to be a popstar and an old pop manager). The plot is childish and as tedious as watching an entire series of X Factor with no breaks. There are a few good points made but they are repeated ad nauseum and there is no new insight after the first few pages. Finally, I found it all very pretentious as if we were all stupid and needed him to spell out what is wrong with these shows in the most dumbed-down way possible.

Instead of buying this, get Britain's Got the Pop Factor on DVD. Just as cutting and also far more enjoyable.

One of the funniest books i ever read,i actually read some of It in a hospital waiting room and was getting some strange looks as i kept chuckling.
the MINGERS,the BLINGERS and the CLINGERS...

Yes, that was brilliant but Ben Elton thought of it all first!!

I can understand why the book might not be to your taste but I really love it. The Beryl Blenheim character is completely odious and the digs at Louis Walsh through the character Rodney Root had me in stitches. I'm a simple girl - we'll have to agree to differ!