The judges forget again
The X Factor produces another week of uncertain names. Sharon Osbourne introduces Saara Aalto only as “the songbird from abroad”, then turns to Louis Walsh for help remembering Finland.
Scott and Chris question how judges can mentor contestants without knowing their names, although Louis has previous experience of forgetting the members of large groups. The programme’s awkwardness becomes useful evidence for a wider discussion about viewers who cannot tolerate television tension.
Dino reaches his limit
Scott’s actor friend Dino finds confrontation and cringe almost physically unbearable. He begins by looking away from the screen, progresses to anxious breathing, then leaves the room or shouts “la la la” over whatever he cannot face.
He loves The Office but must watch it in stages. When Scott plays increasingly awkward reality television down the phone, Dino talks over the clips, complains about having no warning and finally hangs up, perfectly proving the point.
Judge Rinder waits all night
Judge Rinder reports that performing near the end of Strictly allowed him to exhaust himself with worry before dancing. He became dizzy during the routine and felt the energy disappear, but styled out the final steps.
He also found himself waiting outside the studio in costume beside Boris Becker and his wife, another surreal moment in a competition that has rapidly normalised glitter, unusual outfits and lifts with Oksana Platero.
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