Veteran DJ calls out X Factor for being 'ghastly and cruel'

DJ Tony Blackburn lashes out at X Factor on Twitter, saying Simon Cowell's comments in the six chair challenge were particularly harsh. Photo / Getty

Veteran British DJ Tony Blackburn has lambasted the X Factor as "ghastly and cruel" and condemned its "gladiatorial style".

He made the comments after seeing the talent show at the weekend adding he would never be able to watch it again.

Blackburn, 72, took exception to the six chair challenge, during which four judges whittle down their teams from 14 to six while they stand on stage in front of a baying audience.

This section of the competition often left the singers in tears but viewers felt programme boss Simon Cowell was particularly scathing during Sunday's episode.

He told 27-year-old contestant Max Stone: "Max, you look, if you don't mind me saying so, like you're half dead.

"I've never really got anything from your personality. Tell me something fun you've done in your life. I'm trying to make you fun but I'm failing."

Cowell then added: "I just don't think people are going to like you very much."

He then told Stephanie McCourt, also 27: "People don't like you at the moment and I think it's just the way that you are is not very friendly, not very warm."

Another contestant, Vicki Ann Nash, was in tears after being eliminated from the show, then saved - then eliminated again.

Blackburn shunned the show's "negative" tone on Twitter adding that he felt it was a bad environment for the young contestants.

What a ghastly cruel show the X Factor has turned into.I really don’t think this is the way to treat people .

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) October 18, 2015

I haven’t watched it for ages and didn’t realize how dreadful and cruel it had become, horrible TV which I certainly won’t watch again.

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) October 18, 2015

I commented on the Xfactor as I hadn't seen it for ages and when I watched a bit of it I was appalled by it's gladiatorial style.

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) October 19, 2015

I hate shows that are hurtful and when you are dealing with young people you have to be careful not to go too far,and I think this show does

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) October 19, 2015

I feel very strongly that TV is a powerful medium and to encourage people to be cruel in this way to me is horrible.

— Tony Blackburn (@tonyblackburn) October 19, 2015

Blackburn retweeted a number of messages sent to him supporting his stance.

An X Factor spokesman came out in support of the segment saying it had been part of the show since 2013.

"All contestants are therefore aware prior to application that this is a key part of the audition process and are fully briefed on the format before they go on stage.

"Support is provided to contestants throughout the competition and a psychologist is always available and in attendance at all of the auditions."

Sunday's episode was watched by 7.4million. In previous years it could command around 10million for anticipated episodes.

- Daily Mail