If people didn't like her then she wouldn't have the job and ratings wouldn't be so high. OK people can argue that people tune in to watch the show, not the presenter, but picture someone like Fiona Phillips in her place, would the show still have the same success?
This time last year over on The X Factor boards, there were rumours of Kate leaving and people were like "good, now she can stop throwing that imaginary apple up and down" but then when news comes through that Kate has been sacked, threads suddenly start popping up "Bring Kate Back", "the show won't be the same

" etc and its suddenly all hail Kate.