The show seemed to be working to a much tighter budget this time,

I mean the judges houses were not as far ranging as usual.

They have gotten rid of dermot who woukd have been on a million per series, the x factor shouty man has gone. Louis has gone and mel b, the show must be saving a shed load of money.

I've a feeling it's the only way the show can go on, lower budget means they shouldn't be too concerned at the amount the show loses viewers as it's still a cash cow.

I think you're wrong.

Dermot was on £1M per series. Olly is apparently on the same as Dermot, with Caroline receiving £800,000. They've increased the presenter budget quite considerably, especially when you factor in the format change of Xtra Factor with two presenters, one of whom would come with a far bigger price tag than Sarah.

Additionally, in terms of the judges - Rita and Nick cost more than Mel and Louis.

The judges houses were in similar locations to where they normally are. Either way, the cost of flying people there compared to the cost of flying all the crew and filming it is minimal.