I think it's a great idea this year to have the final a week later than usual, it will certainly help build momentum. But why not spread the semi finals out over the two weeks as well? I think a Monday Weds Sat (week 1) and Monday Weds (week 2) would work much better for the semis and have the final the same week on the Saturday. Absence makes the heart grow fonder!! 45 acts in a single week is a bit much.

That would give the first act through almost two weeks to prepare and the last through two days!

But in previous years when the 5 semi-finals were on Mon-Fri and the final on Saturday there was a similar situation with regards to differences in time for preparation!

All semi-finalists prepare two performances in case they get through. The extra week this year allows them to perfect their final act.

Because they need to show them during half-term when children can stay up later and watch, then spend mummy and daddy's money voting for other children to win.