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2014 PRESS PACK
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CONTENTS
03 The X Factor returns to ITV
05 The Xtra Factor returns to ITV2
06 The X Factor Interactive
07 Dermot O’Leary interview
10 Simon Cowell interview
14 Cheryl Fernandez-Versini interview
17 Mel B interview
19 Louis Walsh interview
21 Sarah-Jane Crawford interview
23 Production credits
24 TalkTalk TV sponsors The X Factor
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IT’S ABOUT TO GET
The UK’s biggest search for a
music superstar gets underway as
The X Factor returns to ITV this
Autumn.
Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-
Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh are
this year’s judges. Dermot O’Leary
returns as host
Free in-app voting for the first time
in X Factor history
The talent juggernaut, The X Factor, gets
back into action this autumn as the
competition scours all corners of the UK in
search of a singer worthy of landing a life
changing record contract.
The nation’s most talked about entertainment
show sees former ‘frenemies’ Simon Cowell
and Cheryl Fernandez-Versini reunited on the
judging panel. They are joined by new
signing, straight-talking Spice Girl Mel B, and
renowned music manager Louis Walsh, who
returns for another series. Expect drama,
banter and bickering as the all-new judging
panel set out to uncover star quality like
never before.
Dermot O’Leary returns to host the show,
presiding over all of the drama, tears, joy and
heartache, as well as lending the hopefuls a
much needed shoulder to cry on as they
perform in front of the most formidable panel
yet.
Performers will once again tackle two sets of
tough audition rounds – first the intimate
closed rooms in one of four cities –
Manchester, London, Newcastle and
Edinburgh. Should they impress and get
three or more yeses, they secure a spot to
sing at the SSE Arena, Wembley to prove
they can impress a live audience of
thousands. But the pressure won’t end there;
once through the arenas stage, the hopefuls
go through to Boot Camp and the return of
the tense ‘six chair challenge’, with each
chair representing a coveted place at their
category’s Judge’s House.
The hopefuls will be banded in one of four
categories – the Over 25s, the Groups, The
Boys and the Girls. For the first time since
2008, the competition has lowered its age
limit, with any performer over the age of 14
able to audition.
And for the first time in X Factor history fans
will be able to vote for free using The X
Factor App. The official app for the show,
available for iOS and Android smartphones
and tablets, will give users the opportunity to
yote for their favourite contestants, starting,
LOUDER!
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from the live shows through to the live final.
This year’s live final, sponsored by TalkTalk,
will return to the SSE Arena, Wembley where
the lucky finalists will sing their hearts out in
front of an audience of 10,000, before the
winner of X Factor 2014 is crowned.
The X Factor has spawned numerous
worldwide music artists, creating more
international stars than any other TV talent
show. Artists discovered by The X Factor have
sold more than 160 million records worldwide
with the show’s alumni including One
Direction, Olly Murs, Leona Lewis, JLS, Little
Mix, Ella Henderson and Cher Lloyd.
For further information please email
[email protected] or contact:
•Rick Behari - [email protected]
•Justin Jeffreys - [email protected]
•Jenni Pain – [email protected]
•Hannah Lamden -
•Daisy Greenhead -
For images log onto: www.itvpictures.com
or Corbis
Contact: Shane Chapman - 020 7157 3043 /
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THE XTRA FACTOR New host renowned DJ and
presenter Sarah-Jane Crawford
brings all of the backstage news,
gossip and reactions on The Xtra
Factor
As the new face of ITV 2’s The Xtra Factor,
Sarah-Jane has been tasked with getting up
close and personal with the new judging
panel of Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-
Versini, Mel B and Louis Walsh, as well as
this year’s contestants.
Bringing all of the exclusive backstage news
and access from the intimate judges’ rooms
to the live grand final, this year’s Xtra Factor
will be delving deeper than ever before.
As one of the UK’s most in-demand
presenters, Sarah Jane has quickly
established herself as a TV pro and DJ. She
currently hosts the afternoon show on one of
radio’s biggest urban music channels, BBC
Radio 1Xtra, as well as voicing MTV’s The
Official UK Urban Chart rundown. And now
as a massive fan of The X Factor, she will be
finding out all the xtra news that viewers want
to know.
Focused on bringing audiences all of the big
unseen moments, including never before
seen auditions and news, Sarah-Jane will be
putting her interviewing experience to the
test, asking the judges and contestants the
tricky questions everyone really wants the
answers to.
And as The X Factor goes live to the studio
The Xtra Factor is the only place where
viewers will have a chance to speak directly
to the judges and get all the immediate fall-
out from the show. With Sarah-Jane’s
enviable music knowledge, there will be a
series of special guests reviewing the
show’s headlines, and more gossip than
ever before.
Tweet about The Xtra Factor using:
#xtrafactor
The Xtra Factor, ITV2 – straight after The
X Factor on ITV
For further information on the show
please email:
Jenni Pain – [email protected]
Daisy Greenhead -
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THE X FACTOR INTERACTIVE
Free in-app voting and full digital
offering keeps fans at the heart of
the show
Fans of The X Factor will be able to vote for
free for the first time ever in the show’s
history. The official app for the show,
available for iOS and Android smartphones
and tablets, will give users the opportunity to
vote for their favourite contestants, starting
from the live shows through to the live finals.
The award-winning in-app voting platform,
developed in partnership with Tectonic
Interactive and Tellybug, gives fans even
more ways to engage with and influence one
of the most popular entertainment TV shows
in the UK. As part of the core proposition, the
app provides exclusive content, quizzes,
games, and the new and improved “Fifth
Judge” feature, where users can predict
which acts will make it through each stage
and give real-time feedback on each
performance during the show. The app has
been downloaded 1.6 million times and is
sponsored by Domino’s.
The X Factor is already the biggest talent
show on social media: 8.5 million likes on
Facebook, 5 million Twitter followers, 87,000
followers on Instagram, and over 2 billion
views on the official YouTube channel.
Throughout this series both The X Factor app
and the website at itv.com/thexfactor will
bring fans the latest news, photo galleries
and exclusive backstage access to the judges
and contestants. There will be exclusive
behind-the-scenes video content including
backstage interviews with the new X Factor
online presenter, Luke Franks. Luke is an
award-winning radio and TV presenter with
his own show on The Hits Radio. He's also
one of the line-up on CITV's Scrambled and
has interviewed hundreds of pop stars
including the Vamps, Union J, Katy Perry and
Rixton.
ABOUT THE X FACTOR VOTING
•You can vote by downloading the free iOS or
Android version of official The X Factor app
on your smartphone or tablet
•Clear voting instructions appear within the
app
•You can vote a maximum of 5 times within
any voting window
•Votes can be used on any one contestant, or
combination of contestants
For further information, please contact:
•Charlotte Partleton, ITV, 0207 157 3056 /
•Ben Todd, Syco Entertainment, 020 7361
8609 / [email protected]
•Belinda Thomas-Dunphy, FremantleMedia,
0207 691 6911
@TheXFactor #xfactor
facebook.com/TheXFactor
Instagram: thexfactoruk
YouTube.com/TheXFactorUk
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DERMOT O’LEARY Dermot O'Leary's television and radio work
has made him a household name. He has
been at the helm of The X Factor since 2007
and also hosts his own award-winning BBC
Radio 2 show every Saturday, which has
won three Sony Radio Awards.
Dermot has also chaired the debate and
interviewed party leaders for First Time
Voters Question Time on BBC Three,
presents Unicef's SoccerAid, and is host of
the National Television Awards. In March
2014 Dermot hosted the ground-breaking
'Live from Space' season on Channel 4.
What do you think the new panel each bring
to the table?
It’s a good panel, it really is. Mel for me is
almost like a mini Sharon Osbourne, in that she
is kind of un-produceable, which I love. It
doesn’t matter what anyone says to her, she
knows her own mind. And I think you need
someone like that on the panel, you need
someone who will make their decision
instinctively and shoots from the hip. Cheryl is
incredibly insightful, and emotionally engaging,
and really intelligent. Simon brings brutal
honesty and you need that, because this is an
audition process. Louis for me brings an
encyclopaedic music knowledge, and say what
you want about him but he knows how to put a
band together. Also, he’s not afraid of making
decisions that won’t make him popular with the
people.
How often do you find yourself disagreeing
with the judges’ decisions?
I’m a soft touch; I wouldn’t say I’d put everyone
through, but you get to know people and you get
to know their families and the fact that they do
jobs that they don’t particularly want to do and
they have a fair degree of talent. So when
you see someonewhose audition doesn’t go that
well I do feel quite bad for them.
Simon is back on the show and Mel B is
known for her feisty opinions – how are you
going to keep the judges in check during the
lives?
I can’t wait for the live shows, because I like it
when the panel has disagreements, and when it
kicks off, because that’s what I’m there for.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t like it when they go
below the belt, or they start saying nasty things
to each other, or they have disagreements in the
press, I’m not a big fan of any of that. But I like it
in studio when all’s fair in love and war, and
then when it finishes, we have a drink together.
What’s the overall dynamic between them?
It’s really early doors in terms of dynamic; Mel B
and Cheryl have a great understanding and get
on very well at the moment. But they all work
very well as a team – Mel B has a clear
definition as to what she wants and Louis is
brilliant because you can put him with anyone.
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Which judges are you expecting to clash
the most, have you noticed any
disagreements yet?
I think Simon and Cheryl will clash a fair bit in
studio, and I think Mel B will clash with
anyone. Louis digs his heels in about the
strangest things – it could be an outfit, a song
choice, someone’s hair, it’s never something
particularly controversial.
How competitive do you think they are
feeling this year?
At this stage in the competition it’s about
finding the best talent. The ante gets upped
when the categories get revealed and
especially when we get to studio.
You’re first on hand to console the acts
who don’t make it through – would you
say that’s the hardest part of your role on
the show?
At the moment the hardest part of my role on
the show is definitely when the acts come off
and they haven’t done too well. But then it’s
quite hard because they’re not really
listening, all they’re doing is mulling over their
audition. Sometimes you can have a good
conversation with someone, and try to
contextualise it, and other times you could be
saying anything to them.
Do a lot of the contestants come to you
for advice once the show is underway?
I always do a pep talk before we start. People
that get to the last three in this show are the
hardest working, the most talented, and the
most honest. There’s nothing that drives me
nuts more than when someone gives me the
answer they think I want rather than how
they’re feeling; and people worry about how
they’re going to be perceived. There’s nothing
worse than being perceived in any other way
than being honest and who you are. The
people that do well in this show are the
people that are true to themselves.
This is your eighth series on the show –
what are your favourite memories from
throughout the years?
I get asked that a lot and I could have this
conversation in five minutes time and give you
a completely different answer because stuff
just keeps popping into my head. I love those
moments in studio where you’re not quite
entirely sure something has happened – it
invariably involves more colourful contestants,
so Wagner doing Love Shack, Jedward doing
Ghostbusters. But then I love the moments
where someone will just pick up an audition
song and absolutely sing – I remember Ella
Henderson’s first audition was out of this
world, James Arthur I remember watching
grow, and the same with Olly. The show is
about getting people to flourish that, for one
reason or another the stars haven’t aligned for.
For me, it’s about seeing an Ella Henderson,
seeing a James Arthur, seeing an Olly Murs,
come on and blow an audience away.
What sort of acts would you like to see
more of on the show?
To be honest I think we’ve got it pretty well
covered – you always have a hangover from
the year or two before. At the moment we’re
seeing a lot of boys pick up guitars because of
James Arthur or people who are popular at the
moment, like Ed Sheeran. You always see that
aftershock effect. For me, you’ve got to have
diversity, and that’s what Boot Camp’s all
about – what’s so interesting is that people
who turn up and have done a great audition, it
turns out they’re not the only great person.
Sarah-Jane Crawford is the new host of
Xtra Factor, have you given her any tips or
advice on how to handle the world of X
Factor?
I’ve just said ‘if you need me I’m there’ and she
seems to be getting on really well. Eight years
ago it wasn’t the show it is now, but I
remember coming on then and thinking ‘wow,
I’m working on the biggest show in television’
and it’s quite a step up, and it’s a huge circus.
You can’t over think it though, you just have to
enjoy it and have fun.
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Which artist out there at the moment
best sums up what the X Factor is all
about for you?
I love the Lana Del Rey album and I saw her
at Glastonbury, I think she’s just got ‘it.’
What’s the hardest thing about being
The X Factor host?
It’s a brilliant job and I love it. I guess the
hardest thing is that you get a relationship
with people, you see them grow, but only
one can win. Along the way, you have to
say goodbye to people who you have got to
know well, and you’ve got to know their
families well. You would hope they use the
experience wisely and get something out of
it, and no matter what happens they can
carry on and enjoy singing.
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SIMON COWELL
Simon Cowell is, amongst other things,
a record company executive, a
television and film producer…and a
global TV star. Renowned for his sharp
eye for talent and candid opinions,
Simon Cowell has completely
transformed popular culture in the
21st century, through his TV and music
interests.
Cowell’s company, Syco Entertainment,
is a world-renowned music, film, and
television production company
responsible for some of the most
successful global music and television
franchises.
Syco’s television assets include the
two international TV phenomenon
formats: Got Talent and The X Factor.
This year, Syco Music was named the
No.1 A&R label in the UK, for both
singles and albums. To date, Cowell
has worked with artists who have sold
more than 350 million records.
For his charitable work, Cowell has
been awarded Variety International’s
Humanitarian Award.
So Simon how does it feel to be back in
the UK for this series?
It actually feels really good to be back in
the UK. I think in a weird way it’s good I’ve
had a break from the show, I’ve watched
the show from a distance and now I feel
like I’m back in control again. I like it.
What are you most excited about?
The one thing that always excites
me about doing the show here is the fact
that
we have discovered stars from it in the past.
And there’s always that feeling when you’re
on the panel that you’re going to find a new
star. I don’t know who they’re going be,
where they’re going to come from but it’s that
that excites me the most.
What did you miss most about the show
while you were away?
You miss British contestants. I’ve always
thought on these shows, for whatever reason,
the best people have come from Britain. You
can take people like Leona Lewis or One
Direction or Olly Murs, JLS, Ella Henderson,
Cher Lloyd, they’ve all come from the show
and gone on to have big careers. So we’re
lucky the show does attract people who do
want to be big recording artists, rather than
wanting to win a singing competition – there
is a difference.
What’s going to be different about this
year?
I think you’re going to hear a different kind of
singer this year. The show is going to look
different in terms of the line up. I’ve done the
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small room auditions already, and then
we’re going back to arenas, which is the
real test. I’ve already seen 5 or 6 people
that have got massive potential. Some of
these people, when you put them in front
of the big crowds, they fall apart. And on
the show this year there are a lot of
hurdles to overcome. You’ve got to go
from the small room to the arena to the six
chair challenge, which I think is a great
addition. Then you’ve got to do the judges’
houses visit, then you make it on the live
shows. So anyone who gets to the live
shows, they’ve earned their spot.
How competitive are you and the other
judges feeling this year?
You don’t get competitive until you get
your category. At that point, for whatever
reason, you almost forget about the artists
at that point – it’s so much about you
winning. Or so much about someone else
not winning – it’s about your competitive
nature, which is why you put competitive
people on the show because if you don’t
want to win, it’s kind of a boring show.
How does it feel to be reunited with
Cheryl?
It feels good to be reunited with Cheryl, I’ll
be honest with you. She’s been on good
form. It’s almost like the last four years
disappeared. We just picked it up straight
away. She’s been fun and annoying, but
good to be with.
Cheryl said she came back after a lot of
grovelling. What did you say to
persuade her to come back?
We had a lot of conversations before
Cheryl agreed to come back. But what was
interesting, was that once we got past
whatever we had to get past, we then
started talking about the show and we
reminded ourselves of the past series we
made which was a great series. It’s how
we wanted to recapture that again, and
make a show which is fun, big and most
importantly find a star, or maybe more
than one star.
There’ve been claims you want to have
more of the colourful acts like Jedward
and Wagner in the show this year, is
there any truth in that?
Do you know what, the trouble is on
this show there is a massive rumour mill
and everything gets distorted. I never
wanted Jedward on the show in the first
place, and it was Louis who put them
there. I think it’s good to have interesting
people on the show, I’d rather have
someone with personality than a boring
person with a good voice. One thing I love
about the show is that it does make crazy
mistakes. But in the end, the right people
normally win. Most of the time.
And we’ve heard that you’ve been
winding Cheryl up during auditions.
Has she tried to get her own back on
you?
I’ve wound her up a lot in the auditions. I
mean she’s so easy to wind up, like a fish
taking the bait. But like I said, she’s been
on good form, and she’s got a good sense
of humour. I’ve always said I find the
audition process hard. And she’s found it
hard. But for whatever reason she’s
enjoyed it and we’ve had a good time.
Is there a particular type of contestant
you’re looking for this year; a specific
genre or category?
I’m not interested in a sob-story, I mean
seriously, I’m just so over them. I always
say the same thing. I want someone who
can become a star in this country, but just
as importantly, can become a star in other
countries. You want somebody who’s
different, you don’t want a second rate
version of someone who’s already out
there, but you want somebody who’s
different from anyone else in the charts at
the moment.
The show’s called The X Factor for a
reason because you have to have so
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much to do well from this show. You have to
have a great voice, you’ve got to have
personality, you’ve got to have charisma,
and you’ve got to want to be a star, you’ve
got to have that hunger. And that’s what I’ve
seen over the years with contestants – why
certain people don’t do well, and why certain
people do really well.
You’ve brought Louis back to the show
for his 11th consecutive series. What do
you think he brings to the show that
nobody else does?
Louis brings madness to the show. I’ve
known Louis for about 15 years, he’s a
nutcase, and he has a very different view of
the world than I do. But that’s what I find
interesting about Louis; he is an optimist,
whereas I can be a bit cynical. But he loves
music. He loves doing the show; I mean if
he had a tail he’d be wagging it. And the
one thing you forget about Louis is that he is
a really good manager. I mean he’s sold
over 100million records – you don’t do that
with luck, you do it because you’re smart.
And I think sometimes he tries to hide the
fact that he is smart and cunning. Then
there are times when I’m sitting there
thinking I have no idea why you’re sitting
here next to me. So that’s our relationship.
And what’s it like working with Mel, what
kind of judge is she?
I wasn’t sure whether Mel was going to fit in
or not, but within 5 minutes I got her. She
brings an incredible energy to the show.
She isn’t a judge for hire, which a lot of
people are nowadays. She loves the show
and is really interested in the mentoring
aspect of the show, because she did the
show in Australia where she did a good job.
Plus she’s really fun to be around, although
I get why she’s called Scary!
So Mel B is known for her straight
talking approach, as you are, as well.
Who do you think contestants have
found more intimidating ?
I don’t know if it’s a question of whether
contestants find me or Mel more
intimidating, I think more about who they
would like to please – and that’s normally
me.
This year you’re back in the audition
room. What do you prefer – the room
or the arenas?
I found the first day a nightmare going
back to the small room, because you’re
so close to the contestant, only 8ft away,
I had a real problem about laughing when
I shouldn’t laugh. I think it’s really
intimidating, for the contestant and for us.
I think the good thing about the small
room is you definitely get to know more
about them because they’re not playing
to a crowd. You get to know more about
their personality, you can probably make
a better judgement call. But I like the fact
they have to go through the next stage,
from the small room into the arena,
because you see both sides of them.
Some people will shine and some people
will fall to pieces.
What’s your biggest audition turn off?
I think it’s normally a boyband that’s been
put together by a manager, and told what
to wear, what to say, they all come
running in and everything they say is
scripted, and they pretend to laugh at
each other’s jokes, I hate that. I’d rather
find something much more raw – like we
had with One Direction. We had 5
talented guys, we never once said ‘wear
this, say this, do this’ – they had that
relationship. That’s my most annoying
thing – I loathe those people.
The age limit’s been lowered to 14 this
year. Do you think that someone this
young can cope with the pressure of
being on the show?
On Britain’s Got Talent we’ve had no age
limits, we’ve had really young people do
well on the show. You have to make a
judgement call before you put teenagers
in front of us, about whether they can
cope with it or not. When they come to
see us, we can make a pretty good call
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as to whether we think they’re too young
or too inexperienced. On the other hand
we’ve had really good 14 / 15 year olds,
who are better and more assured than
some of the 30 year olds.
Which artists out there at the moment
best sums up The X factor?
I don’t want to sound biased, but I think
Ella Henderson is a really good example
of how an artist and a show can work
really well together, because we could
have released her music in 6 months. We
waited for two years, and she came
6th on the show. She represents
everything that’s great about this country,
about the show, and how the label can
help someone become a big, big star. I’m
really proud of what she’s achieved, and
she’s a great ambassador for the show.
The last time you were on the show,
you found One Direction, Rebecca
Ferguson, Cher Lloyd amongst others,
do you think the talent will be as
strong this year?
Well when we did the show last time, we
had talented people but we also helped
talented people do things they weren’t
expecting. Cheryl did a great job with
Cher Lloyd, I did a great job with One
Direction, and Cheryl again with Rebecca
Ferguson, who I love – she’s a great
singer. And Danni did a good job with the
winner. That was the year we really felt it
was competitive and everybody was
trying hard. That points out the show that
we devised in the first place – it was
meant to help and encourage the artists
rather that just sit and criticise people
without having a say in what they do.
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CHERYL FERNANDEZ-VERSINI
Successful pop star. Fashion icon. Charity
founder. Television personality. Award
winner. If anyone’s got The X Factor, it’s
Cheryl.
Primarily, Cheryl is known as being one of
the UK’s biggest female singers. Her
successful solo singing career began with
the release of debut single Fight For This
Love in October 2009. Since then, Cheryl
has had a further three number one
singles, including her recent hit Crazy
Stupid Love, and also topped the charts
with her first two solo albums.
Cheryl rose to fame as a fifth of Girls
Aloud, the most successful UK girlband of
the 21st century as well as the most
successful band to come out of a reality TV
show. After coming together on Popstars:
The Rivals, Girls Aloud went on to have
four number one singles, five sell out arena
tours and six platinum selling albums.
Cheryl will be releasing her new album,
Only Human later this year.
Welcome back! What made you decide to
come back to the show this year and how
does it feel to be back?
Well aside from a lot of begging and grovelling
on Mr Cowell’s part, it just felt like the right
time to come back. I’d had enough time away
to appreciate it and get really excited to find
new talent again.
Did you have any first day nerves when you
started the auditions again or was it like
riding a bike?
This time it was like riding a bike. The first time
I did it I was terrified, but this time I was more
excited.
Is there a particular type of contestant
you are looking for this year – a specific
genre, category, or music style
perhaps?
I’m always looking for somebody fresh. I’m
never looking for the next whoever; the
next Justin Beiber, the next One Direction. I
want somebody to come in that we don’t
quite know if we get it or not. Something
fresh that we haven’t got. You once described Simon as your
‘frenemy’ – do you still think of him like
that? How would you describe your
relationship with him now?
I think Simon’s a bit like an annoying
brother. We’re like brother and sister and
he’s the annoying one.
We’ve heard that Simon has been
winding you up during filming for the
auditions – what’s he been doing and
have you got your own back?
Simon has his very own way of being very
annoying. He knows which buttons to push
and he’ll push them, and push them, and
push them. But I play the long game. I’m
waiting. Don’t worry about me, I’ll get my
own back.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
So much is written about your wardrobe,
do you look forward to planning your X
Factor look or is it a daunting process
given the huge focus there is on it?
When I first started X Factor it was never
focused on what the judges wore, it was about
the contestants. I try and remember that’s what
it’s all about. It’s not about what clothes I’m
wearing. Obviously I like to feel nice and wear
nice clothes, I’m a girly girl, so when it comes
to the live shows I like to wear the sparkly
dresses. But mainly it’s about the contestants
for me and if people enjoy my dress that’s
nice.
Have there been any disagreements with
your fellow judges so far? Tell us about
the dynamics.
I think it would be uninteresting and not real if
we didn’t disagree. Obviously it’s human
nature and you feel different things for different
people. So there’s been different points of view
and disagreements.
Which artist out there at the moment sums
up what the X Factor is all about for you?
I think Ed Sheeran’s definitely got the X Factor.
The guy is a superstar. He writes amazing
lyrics. His collaborations are spot on. His
videos are fun. He’s unexpected, he’s not
commercially what you would think of. He’s
somebody that I would die for if he arrived at
The X Factor to audition.
You’ve been known to get emotional during
auditions - have you cried in any of the
auditions so far, what has been the most
emotional audition for you?
I have been moved in the auditions this series;
it’s impossible to not feel human emotion
where you’re that close to somebody. I was
reunited with somebody I had on the first
series I did (in 2008), and it was an emotional
experience. So yes I have been touched this
time around a couple of times but it’s not
something I’m ashamed of or something I shy
away from.
What are you most excited about for this
year’s series? What are you hoping to
see?
I hope this year we see somebody fresh and
very different, and somebody that we can
take around the world and say ‘this is a
great ambassador for what we do.’
How’s the show going to be different this
year?
I think the show is different this year
because we’ve changed a few of the format
points, and obviously the panel changes
everything because you’ve got different
dynamics, and we choose things for
different reasons and are attracted to
different people. Me and Simon have always
had that good chemistry where we bounce
off each other. Also, being back in the
rooms and finding good characters that you
can take to an audience, and seeing
whether they agree with us, makes a
difference. I haven’t yet, and I don’t want to
but unfortunately I’m going to have to,
experience this chair business [the six chair
challenge at Boot Camp], where I have to
switch people around in chairs which is
making me feel physically ill at the thought!
You started out on a show like this and
have said in the past you can relate to
the contestants’ nerves on the day –
what advice would you have for
contestants on how to impress the
panel, particularly Simon?
Don’t try and impress Simon, stop it! The
moment you put that pressure on yourself
and he says something that isn’t what you
want to hear it’s going to break your
confidence. You should go out there to
prove to all of us. Just relax, and be
confident, but don’t walk that line of
cockiness. Once I get the acts as a mentor,
I’ll sit them down individually and tell them
that.
As you and Mel B have both come from
girl groups, do you have similar opinions
in terms of what you’re looking for from
a group?
We do and a lot of the time Mel says things
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
and I think ‘that’s exactly how I would put it,
that’s exactly how I feel.’ Not only about
groups, just in general, I agree with a lot of
the things she says and thinks. She has a
very good way of putting things. She’s a bit
more blunt than I am in her approach, which
I love. But definitely when it comes to the
girl groups we have the same answer about
what it takes to be a girl group.
How have you found it working with Mel
B. Did you know her before working on
the panel together?
I’ve met Mel a few times briefly – I went to
the Spice Girls reunion and saw her
backstage. We’ve passed like that, but I’d
never actually sat down and had a deep
conversation or worked with her before, and
we just gelled really quickly. Maybe that’s
from being part of a girl group – it’s easy to
slide into having camaraderie with another
girl. She’s a girl’s girl like that so I’ve
enjoyed working with her.
You’ve previously described things as
being ‘frosty’ between you and Louis –
have things thawed?
Louis is Louis.
How was it going home to Newcastle for
auditions? What would it mean to find a
winner from there?
I was actually really proud and really
pleased by the Newcastle auditions, we’ve
never gone up there. There was some really
good talent, there’s one person in particular
I can’t wait to see at the arenas. If I get
another contestant from Newcastle,
because I had Joe (McElderry) previously, it
would be very exciting.
How competitive are you and the other
judges feeling this year?
I’m feeling more competitive than I ever
have. By nature I’m not a competitive
person. But this time I’m feeling more
competitive than ever.
What’s the biggest ‘audition turn off’ for
you?
The biggest audition ‘turn off’ is when they
come in the room and they try and kiss you,
or they come in and break-dance before
they’ve introduced themselves. Doing what
they think you want them to do is a big no
no for me - I want things to be authentic.
What are the toughest things about
being an X Factor judge?
The toughest thing about being an X
Factor judge is being the person to tell
somebody you don’t think that they’re
ready for their dream. That’s tough, that’s
horrible. Judges’ houses, all that business,
is tough.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
MEL B Hailing from the world’s best selling
female girl group of all time and the
cultural phenomenon that was the Spice
Girls, Mel B has notched up a stunning
80 million record sales worldwide,
including nine UK number ones. She
also has five prestigious BRIT Awards to
her name.
Mel also adds television personality and
entrepreneur to her list of ever
expanding credits. She appeared as a
guest judge on The X Factor in 2012 and
is a judge on the current season of hit
NBC show America’s Got Talent.
How would you describe yourself as a
judge?
As a judge I would like to think that I’m just
really honest. I just call it how it is and
whatever I see and whatever I feel, I just
express that.
Have there been any disagreements with
your fellow judges?
I think with the other judges we’re always
kind of going to either agree, or disagree or
agree to disagree. It just is what it is. We’re
not always going to think the same.
How have you found the rooms
compared to the arenas? What do you
think the difference is for the acts?
I think in the audition room it’s very nerve
wracking for the contestants because it’s us
four and them. It’s almost like being in
prison, with us four. Who would want to be
in that situation! But then in the arenas they
really get that feedback from the audience,
they get to entertain us and the crowd. So
that’s a whole different level.
What is your biggest audition turn off?
My biggest audition turn off is when the
contestants go ‘come on everybody join
in, clap your hands’. I’m like ‘uhhh no’.
Which artist out there for you has the
X Factor?
There are so many different artists out
there that have the X Factor, from your
Rhiannas, your Katy Perrys, Rita Oras.
There’s a bunch of strong independent
females out there that I love.
Is there any particular kind of
contestant you’re looking for this
year; a genre, category or style?
All the categories this year are really
strong. What I like in a contestant is for
them to be likeable. As well as having an
amazing voice, they have to be likeable,
humble almost.
How do you think the Spice Girls
would have fared on a show like this?
Oh god, I don’t know how the Spice Girls
would have worked out if they auditioned
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
for this show. I’d like to think they would
get through, but I don’t know.
What advice do you have for any
aspiring wannabes auditioning this
year?
I think for anybody auditioning you’ve just
got to really believe in yourself and show
your commitment, show your passion and
work on your voice and your vocal. Turn up
and do the best job possible.
How competitive are you and the judges
this year?
I think all of the judges are very
competitive. Especially this year…oh
yeah.
You’re known for your straight talking
approach. Who do you think the
contestants have found more
intimidating, you or Simon?
I think all four of us are quite intimidating. I
think a lot of people out of the gate are
scared of Simon, but I don’t know about
me. I think they really like me…NOT!
How has it been working with Cheryl?
If she was in the Spice Girls what would
her nickname be?
For a start I absolutely adore Cheryl.
She’s gorgeous, she’s an artist, she’s
confident, she’s strong, everything I love in
a woman, she is fabulous. What would her
Spice Girl name be? Probably something
obvious like Geordie Spice.
And what about Simon and Louis’ Spice
Girl nicknames?
Louis for sure would be nutty Spice,
because he’s a little bit out there.
Simon…I don’t want to say anything about
Simon because I don’t want to get fired, so
I’ll leave that one blank!
Are you ready for the inevitable
wardrobe wars when the live shows
begin?
I think the wardrobe wars are what
everyone else makes out of it out there.
Between me and Cheryl, we just like
dressing up and having a bit of fun and
that’s it.
Is working with Simon Cowell what
you expected it would be?
I’ve known Simon for quite some time,
so you kind of know what you’re getting
yourself in to. It’s a little bit
unpredictable; he can be unpredictable
here and there, which we all can. But
overall I love him, he’s great.
Is there someone you’ve already
earmarked as a winner from the
auditions you’ve done so far?
During the whole audition process there
are so many winners in there. It is
going to be really hard for us to decide,
so I’m really glad it’s the audience and
viewers who decide.
What’s the hardest thing about being
an X Factor judge?
Probably one of the hardest things
about being an X factor judge is saying
no to kids. That’s always tough as I
have kids of my own. But they’re young
enough that they can still carry on and
work on their craft.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
LOUIS WALSH Louis Walsh is the undisputed king of the
Irish pop scene. He is the man behind
some of the most successful bands in
pop history, masterminding the careers of
Boyzone, Westlife, Samantha Mumba,
Girls Aloud and of course Jedward.
The fact that he has achieved over a
staggering 28 No.1 hits is a testament to
his success and is one of the reasons why
he is so respected in the music industry.
He has appeared as a judge on every
series of The X Factor.
You’re back for another series, what are
you most looking forward to this year?
Having Simon Cowell back. I think he’s going
to be different, I think he’s going to be fun, I
think there’s going to be sparks between
Simon, Cheryl and Mel B. That’s the best
thing about the show – Simon being back.
How does it feel to be reunited with Simon
on the panel?
Honestly, Simon just makes me laugh. He
just walks in the room and I’m laughing, I
can’t explain why, but for some reason he
always makes me laugh. He gets the best out
of everyone, he makes everyone work. But
it’s not as if we sit there laughing all day, he
always wants people to give more. He always
says ‘you can do better than that.’ When I
used to work with him with Westlife he would
always say ‘you can do better’.
How have you found this year’s panel?
This year is fantastic. This was meant to be.
There’s good chemistry between all of us.
Simon and Cheryl are very funny always
annoying each other. Mel is just honest. This
is the perfect X Factor panel, it really is.
How competitive are you all feeling this
year?
We’re going to be very competitive this year.
Everybody wants to win the show. Simon
thinks he’s going to win win, Cheryl wants to
win, Mel thinks ‘I’m going to show them what
I’m made of.’ I’ve been there 11 years, I know
what to do. We’re all competitive and we all
want to win. But I’m going to win.
Is there a judge on the panel you think
you disagree with more than most?
I think I’ll probably disagree with all of the
judges on the panel, because I’m a manager.
They’re artists and Simon’s an A &R man. I
think I’ll disagree with all of them because I
always look for different things. I think
probably Simon and I would agree more than
anybody else. The girls always talk about the
vocal but it’s not always about the voice.
You’re the only judge to have appeared
across every series of the show – what
keeps the show exciting for you?
I think this year having Simon back is the
most exciting thing. When he’s around
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
everyone is better. Everyone works harder. We
always have to prove why we’re there. He
demands more. He’s sitting there looking at
everything. He takes everything in. He scans
the room.
In all of your years on the show, which of
the show’s alumni have made the biggest
impression on you in their first auditions?
To be honest, I always remember JLS in their
first audition. When they walked in they were
the perfect group. Not just vocally, but mentally
and the way they worked together. I loved
working with a lot of other people – Shane
Ward, Jedward for different reasons. But the
most perfect act for me was JLS.
What is the biggest audition ‘turn off’ for
you?
The biggest audition ‘turn off’ for me is when
people talk themselves up. Why they’re here,
what they’re going to do, everything, and then
they don’t deliver. They can’t sing, they can’t
perform. There’s no X Factor. That’s the worst
thing. I’m always looking for potential. Potential
is the key word. If they’re not a great singer –
can they improve? And the likeability. We use
that word a lot but likeability is so important.
What are your favourite memories from
being on the show across the years?
My favourite memories are working with
Simon, because he winds me up. He does it
on a daily basis. I love working with him and
watching what makes his mind work – always
thinking ‘what’s he thinking, what’s he noticed.’
Working with Simon is great, but I also had
some really funny moments with Sharon
Osbourne. I’ve enjoyed working with all the
judges.
If you could pick one X Factor contestant
who you think defines what The X Factor is,
who would it be?
Olly Murs – he’s a massive star now. He didn’t
win the show but he had the X Factor. He
really had it and he has a great work ethic.
Also Rebecca Ferguson, when her record
comes on the radio you know it’s her, and
that’s what the X Factor is all about.
In the past few series you’ve had a bit of a
style makeover What’s your secret?
I’m getting older, as is Simon! I have to look
after myself. I have a really good stylist called
Caroline who looks after me, and I have a
really good hair and make up artist called
Anna and she works her magic. So the
secret? Anna and Caroline.
You’ve become famous over the series for
your catchphrases; can we expect any
new gems?
I use the catchphrases as a joke – ‘you
remind me of a young Lenny Henry or a
young Michael Buble’ – and all that type of
stuff. But I know what I’m doing and it usually
makes the other people laugh on the show.
So why not? People expect it.
Is there a particular type of contestant you
are looking for this year – a specific
genre, category, or music style perhaps?
This year we’re looking for stars. They can’t
just be good contestants. We need recording
artists. We need people who are going to sell
records all around the world.
Which artist out there at the moment best
sums up what the X Factor is all about?
I’m looking at the charts every single week
and the artist I like most at the moment is Ed
Sheeran, because he’s got the songs and he
has got the likeability. Maybe Paolo Nutini as
well as the singer/song writer thing is really
in. But I watch the charts every week – I
know everyone in the charts in the UK and
America.
What are the toughest things about being
an X Factor judge?
Telling people ‘no, you’re not good enough.’
It’s a very hard thing to say to people,
because they come in and they think they’ve
got it all. Then they perform and it’s just
ordinary. We get an awful lot of good people,
and good people are the worse because
they’re not bad, they’re just OK, and they
don’t have the star quality; they don’t have
the X Factor.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
SARAH-JANE CRAWFORD
The current leading lady of BBC Radio
1Xtra, Sarah-Jane Crawford is one of the
most popular figures in UK radio, holding
record audience figures for the Monday to
Friday afternoon timeslot. Sarah hosted
the backstage coverage of BBC Radio 1’s
Big Weekend, and then fronted BBC
Three’s coverage of ‘T in the Park’
alongside Greg James.
In the last few years, Sarah-Jane has
begun to explore the world of DJing,
taking to the decks in some of the world’s
most trendsetting cities including
Warsaw, New York, Los Angeles, St.
Tropez and Hong Kong. This is Sarah
Jane’s first year as presenter on The Xtra
Factor.
Congratulations on the new job! How
excited are you about your new role?
I’m so excited about the new role. It’s a
dream job. When I found out I was at the gym
getting a protein shake and my agent called
me and told me I got the job, I screamed and
everyone thought I had bought a dodgy
protein shake. I just keep reminding myself to
enjoy it while it’s happening rather than
thinking ahead to the live shows.
What are you most excited about?
There are so many elements to this job that
it’s difficult to pin point what I’m most excited
about. It’s exciting to meet the auditionees
because you’re potentially meeting the
winner or a big star… You don’t know where
they’re going to end up. I’m excited about
judges’ houses because why wouldn’t you be
excited to travel to glamorous locations
around the world. And ultimately I’m really
excited about the live shows because I’m a
massive fan of the show.
How do you think Xtra Factor will be
different from previous series?
I just think it will be sassy, there’s going to
be way more banter. I’ve got the
opportunity to bounce off the new judges
and I think this year there’ll be lots more
music credibility, we all really know our
stuff. And of course the return of Simon
and Cheryl which you cannot beat!
Before joining the show you were a
massive fan of the series – who’s your
favourite contestant from over the
years?
As a massive fan I have watched every
series, one of my favourite contestants
was Ray Quinn… I don’t know what it was
about him. I used to work on a door of a
club on Saturday nights so I couldn’t watch
the final that year and I remember not
wanting anyone to tell me. I made it to
Sunday evening and was sat on the sofa, I
felt like it was live and then one of my
friends text me and said ‘Thank God that
Ray didn’t win.’
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
What’s it been like working with the
judges? Have you learnt anything
surprising or interesting about any of
them?
Working with the judges is fascinating. Simon
Cowell is such a fascinating person. He is the
kind of guy who would win a poker game every
time because you never know what’s going on.
I’m always trying to find out more info. I’ve
found out that Simon’s dogs get more retweets
and favourites than a Twitter post about me
which we did together, which was really
annoying. I’ve found out that Cheryl knows her
hip hop from when she recited Kayne West
lyrics to me. Mel B loves a bit of Boot Camp….
she is really fit. And Louis is a massive fan of
art.
Did Dermot give you any advice before you
started?
I love Dermot! It wasn’t so much advice, just
more reassurance just saying ‘how is it going’.
He’s always got nicknames for everyone.
He basically taught me the Dermot hug…
there’re 3 different kinds of hugs. I go more for
the high five though because I don’t want to rip
off the Dermot hug.
What have been your stand-out moments
from the auditions tour so far?
There’s a girl band who came in with their own
song, their own t-shirts and there’s something
about them - they’ve got massive potential so I
can’t wait to see their journey. They’re not
completely polished but they’re so young and
they created this amazing track. Another stand
out moment includes baby oil and someone
doing a tribute to Peter Andre with Mysterious
Girl, that was very fun. And the lady who did a
poem about the judges. Let’s just say I came
out alright, but Simon didn’t.
Do you ever find yourself disagreeing with
the judges’ decisions when you watch the
auditions?
Yes! They are hardcore this year, they are not
at all just letting anyone through. Even people
who are amazing, they’re still unsure about.
There’s no one in particular but they all have
their moments. Simon is obviously harsh and
Cheryl is a lot more hardcore this year and Mel
– that’s just her personality. She is always
like ‘you better impress me’.
As a viewer what is your favourite stage of
the show to watch?
Honestly, every element - the way it’s broken
down. The room auditions are very special
when it’s just the contestants and the judges
and when I watch back some of the
contestants - I did it with Sam Bailey - there’s
just something magical about knowing how
someone’s very first audition went. Judges’
houses, it’s very exciting to see where they
go and the live shows - you don’t even need
to explain that. Live is my favourite form of
TV - anything can happen.
Are there any types of contestants or
auditions that make you cringe?
Where someone performs one of the judges
songs to them. We’ve had lots of Spice Girls
and Cheryl numbers and you just think ‘no!’
Or judges’ houses, I remember one year a
contestant sang Ne-Yo to Ne-Yo, and I loved
the contestant but I did cringe.
What sort of acts would you like to see
more of on the show?
People that tick every box. So I don’t
necessarily want to see someone with an
amazing talent but they’re boring. A perfect
pop star, with the swag and the looks and the
vocals to match.
Which artist out there at the moment best
sums up what the X Factor is all about for
you?
Ella Eyre is one. She’s got a great voice and
she’s got a credible music background in
terms of the types of records she puts out
and she looks brilliant.
What are your strategies to get the most
gossip for the Xtra Factor?
It was going to be to take all the judges out
for drinks and get to know them better, but
actually they’re giving me quite a lot so I don’t
think I need a strategy.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
Production Credits
The X Factor
Executive Producers for Thames
Richard Holloway
Mark Sidaway
Lee McNicholas
Executive Producer for Syco
Ben Winston
Series Editor
Claudia Cunnell
Head of Talent for Syco
Barney Addison
Senior Producers
Adam Chapman
Rosie Franks
Clara Elliot
Lily Wilson
Producers/Directors
Laura Bugden
Katie Hobbs
Leo Holden
Justin Saculles
Edit Producers
Lydia Akonis
Doran Azouelos
Leon Campbell
Paul Giddings
Claire Howell
Nick Jones
Phil McCullough
Chris Saville
Pete Tierney
Jared Wright
Producer
Emma Cassen
Associate Producers
Alanda Dunne
Nathan Palmer
Sarah Webber
Line Producer
Helen Moore
Production Manager
Julie Burfoot
The Xtra Factor
Executive Producers for Thames
Richard Holloway
Mark Sidaway
Lee McNicholas
Executive Producer for Syco
Ben Winston
Series Editor
Jayne Stanger
Senior Producers
Ollie Head
Iona Mackenzie
Edit Producer
Adam O’Neil
Assistant Producer
Joseph Purfield
Production Manager
Leah Capuozzo
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
TalkTalk TV gets fans in the mix with
new X Factor campaign
New 'Mix Off' app gives fans the
chance to create their own music
video that could appear on TV.
TalkTalk TV, proud sponsors of The X Factor,
has unveiled its new look sponsorship bumpers
and brand new app to get fans closer to the UK’s
favourite talent show. The TalkTalk Mix Off app
gives viewers of the show the chance to star in
their own unique music video taking inspiration
from some of the nation’s favourite pop stars.
How it works:
Step 1: Select your track, video style and
customise it
Step 2: Record your performance - sing along,
dance like crazy and have fun
Step 3: Mix it up by adding others to your video
The most popular Mix Off music videos will be
selected to appear in TalkTalk TV’s X
Factor sponsorship bumpers and also feature
on TalkTalk's brand new TV player, making it
available to all 1.1 million TalkTalk TV homes.
Whether it’s recreating your favourite boy band
dance routine or channelling your inner diva in
front of a wind machine, it's another great way for
TalkTalk homes and fans of The X Factor to get
even closer to the show.
The app will have a variety of filters and graphic
effects to give each Mix Off video a unique look
and feel. Music will include tracks covering a wide
range of genres from pop classics, to power
ballads, so there’s something for everyone.
Olivia Streatfeild, TalkTalk's Commercial Director
commented: “Our customers love the exclusive
access they get to The X Factor and the chance
of being on TV is hugely exciting for many. That's
why user generated videos are at the heart of
this year’s campaign. We want to get everyone
involved, even pets, we can't wait for TalkTalk
homes to come together and enjoy one of the
best shows on TV even more.”
2014 will mark the sixth consecutive year
TalkTalk, Britain’s fastest growing TV service,
has supported The X Factor. Over the last
year, the value provider has consistently
improved its TV service ensuring YouView
from TalkTalk gets better and better. In
addition to the revamped TalkTalk Player,
which brings even more blockbusters and hit
shows, TalkTalk has also bolstered its Plus TV
package by adding in seven Sky
entertainment channels including Sky 1 and
Sky Living.
TalkTalk’s sponsorship of The X Factor live
final gives its TV, broadband, mobile and home
phone customers the chance to win thousands
of money-can’t-buy tickets and exclusive
access to see their favourite contestants
perform at the show’s extravagant final
showdown. TalkTalk’s multiplatform campaign
will also bring fans and TalkTalk customers
closer to The X Factor via ticket competitions
to the live shows and sound checks.
The TalkTalk Mix Off app will be available to
download from 30th August via the Apple App
Store, or Google play.
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
About TalkTalk
TalkTalk is one of seven partners behind
YouView (www.youview.com), the internet-
connected TV service, along with the BBC,
ITV, BT, Channel 4, Arqiva and Five. YouView
launched to UK homes in 2012. Visit
www.talktalk.co.uk
TalkTalk is the UK’s leading value-for-money
provider of fixed line broadband, voice
telephony, TV and mobile services to
consumers and business users
Under the TalkTalk, AOL Broadband and
TalkTalk Business brands, TalkTalk serves 4
million customers across the UK
TalkTalk operates a fully unbundled network,
which extends to over 2,979 exchanges and
covers more than 96% of the UK population
TalkTalk is the first ISP to provide HomeSafe,
our unique and groundbreaking whole home
security and safety service, free of charge,
exclusively to our customers. HomeSafe•
protects every device in the home using a
TalkTalk broadband connection and since
launch has been activated by more than 1.2
million customers
HomeSafe was awarded Best Home TV
Provider 2013/2014 in the Personal Finance
Awards, the Best Value Home Broadband
Award in the uSwitch Broadband Awards
2013, the Broadband Innovation Award in the
uSwitch Broadband Awards 2012, and the
Internet Service Providers¹ Association 2012
Award for Internet Safety and Security
TalkTalk was voted as Britain¹s best value
provider for broadband, phone and TV
packages in Which? Satisfaction Survey 2013,
and TalkTalk Plus TV was named Best
Broadband & TV Package at the Recombu
Awards 2013
Customers can use TalkTalk¹s website,
www.talktalk.co.uk to manage their account,
use their webmail, resolve any problems and
access a range of information and
entertainment content
Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014 Embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 26 August 2014
Boilerplates
ABOUT ITV PLC
ITV is the largest commercial television
network in the UK. It is the home of popular
television from the biggest entertainment
events, to original drama, major sport,
landmark factual series and independent
news. It operates a family of channels
including ITV, ITV2, ITV3 and ITV4 and CITV
which are broadcast free-to-air. ITV is also
focused on delivering its programming
across multiple platforms including itv.com,
video on demand and other platforms,
mobile devices and games consoles. ITV
Studios produces and sells programmes and
formats in the UK and worldwide, and
comprises of ITV’s UK and international
production operations, international
distribution, home entertainment, publishing,
merchandising and licensing.
ABOUT THAMES
Thames is headed up by Richard Holloway -
one of the UK's most experienced
entertainment producers, and also Interim
CEO of FremantleMedia UK - as Managing
Director with Suzy Lamb as Head of
Entertainment. Broadcasting and producing
programmes in every conceivable genre
since 1968, the Thames label plays a
prominent role in the history of the British
television industry. As the entertainment
arm of FremantleMedia UK, Thames has
emerged as Britain's leading entertainment
label and continues to produce Britain's
biggest and best entertainment programmes.
With shows including The X Factor, Britain's
Got Talent, Take Me Out, National Lottery:
Break the Safe and All Star Family Fortunes,
Thames continues to set the standard for the
British entertainment genre.
ABOUT SYCO
Syco Entertainment is a joint venture between
Simon Cowell and Sony Music and is one of
the world’s leading global music, film and
television production companies responsible
for some of the world’s most successful global
TV and music franchises. Syco Entertainment
is also the world’s most successful producer of
international talent with Syco Music this year
being named the No.1 A & R label in the UK
for both singles and albums. The record label
is home to diverse international recording
artists including Labrinth, One Direction, Susan
Boyle, Little Mix, Ella Henderson, IL Divo, Fifth
Harmony, Alex & Sierra, Cher Lloyd and
Collabro. Syco’s television assets include the
global franchises The X Factor and Got Talent.
The X Factor was created by Syco Television
and is produced by Syco Television and
Fremantle Media. The X Factor is produced in
45 territories around the world and has
discovered more artists than any other
television singing competition format to date.
Artists discovered by the show have sold more
than 160 million records, including 170 No.1
hits, and 380 Top 10 records, including One
Direction who are currently the most popular
act in the world, having sold more than 43
million records to date.
In 2014 Got Talent was officially named the
‘World’s Most Successful Reality Television
Format’ by The Guinness Book of Records,
with original versions of the show now being
produced in 62 territories worldwide. Syco
have continued to capitalize on the ongoing
success of its established global hit TV formats
and developed a number of new projects
including; One Direction’s 3D movie ‘This Is
Us’ with Sony Pictures and ‘One Chance’, a
film based on the success story of Britain’s Got
Talent’s first winner, Paul Potts, in association
with the Weinstein Company.
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