Lots of people all over social media are saying tonight's XFactor episode was one of, if not, the worst episode ever. They are saying the baying crowd was horrible, that the show was too negative in tone, that it was a clear fix the way they brought back that contestant and that it was the producers who made the decision.

The Telegraph gave the episode just 1 out of 5, calling the show a 'train-wreck': http://t.co/hEPkjF9vyw

Would you agree with the general consensus that it was a very bad episode of The X Factor?

Given that audience generally like feel good shows these days like the Great British Bake Off and Strictly, have Itv/Syco scored an own goal with this Six Chair Format. Last year the Six Chair format was not well received by audiences.

It's very unnecessarily cruel I think. there is no need for cruelty, leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It's so staged that the only true drama is watching disappointed people suffer

I'd prefer then to watch them through, take notes and just pick six

I thought it was by far the worst show ever. Nasty controversy over musical ability.

Lol you are really obsessed with The X Factor.Even when Strictlys on,you are still talking about The X Factor.

The more controvesy they try to create, the worse it gets.

Just back to basic picking the best at the end would suffice

Sadly that's not nearly gladiatorial enough for Cowell.

It was so bad, it has prompted me to come to the DS X-Factor room to see if it was just me.

I've never visited here before.

6 Chair system is appalling and cringeworthy.

I don't like the chair swapping either.

Bootcamp was better when only the contestants were part of the audience.

Well people are talking about it. Any press is good press as far as Simon is concerned

the show is just too negative now

its not about if you can sing its if your a geordie. the first girl was bad,

I hated it, thoroughly nasty.

You only had to look at the faces of the 6 'winners' they all looked like they were heading to the gallows with the crowd baying for their blood. It's a rotten and cruel way to select the final 6 - so as they say in Dragons Den "I'm out" - I'm ditching it.

Me too, though I visit regularly, but I just wanted confirmation that others hated it as much as I did. Having said that I'm not convinced it as as cruel as it appears as the overwhelming feel of set up makes me wonder if the acts are full of actors, well that or they are told what's going to happen and how to act.

The baying mob though

BIB I would prefer this too. Not nice as it is But then they wouldn't get that 'dramatic' effect that they're after and that they presume people want

Was it really bad?
I watched Strictly live (Caroline Flack was BRILLIANT btw) and then Gogglebox on plus one. I need to catch up on X Factor but the reaction on Twitter has been terrible...

Everyone knows the drama is bullshit and they've picked their 6 beforehand - the nasty cruel 6 chair thing should be binned

The 6 chair system just shows they only care about the drama of the show, not about the feelings of the contestants. Cheryl made some bad choices tonight but I think it's an awkward position to put someone in especially with the baying crowds.

It was shockingly bad. The crowd screaming for number 5 on the chairs to be given the boot for someone else must have been soul-destroying for the poor girl.
Cowell hasn't learnt at all from his experience with this format in the States. Maybe he'll learn when the ratings fall further this year compared to the feelgood Strictly Come Dancing.

I hate the Chair idea. I hated it last year. I hate it this year. Its drama for dramas sake and soul crushing in what is already a difficult process. Worst episode of X Factor though? God no. Only if we're talking about the lost Barlow years.

It was still gripping entertainment, watching Cheryl under barrage from an imbecilic crowd who were booing her for removing anyone from a seat. You'd think simple maths would have made them figure out that to put the person through they were just clapping and squealing over requires Cheryl to remove someone else.

Spot on.

The baying crowd was horrendous to listen to.

The end swap was not needed other than to create controversy, clearly staged that way.

Well they''ve managed to de-press a lot of hopeful girls tonight, and re-press talent in favour of controversy. If i didn't already half-watch it would make me less inclined to, if i read about this. It's really uncomfortable viewing..

Thoroughly UnimPRESSed!

Maybe I'm the only one that enjoyed it then. The chair challenge was truly shocking last year, because it was the first time; this time we and the contestants all knew what it was about, and it was interesting viewing. And it did end up with the five best going through, plus Chloe Jasmine who I adored on The Face but who was atrocious tonight and weak the previous weeks.

Any press used to be good press for Cowell but it's run it's course now - him & Cole coming back was a last ditched effort to boost ratings, Strictly is still kicking it's arse.

It was great for a while, up until Alexandra Burke winning it, imo, but it's gone rapidly downhill & mediocre ever since.