SIMON COWELL has ended a few singing careers over the years with his brutal X Factor assessments.
Now the show’s dodgy jukebox, has got a “No” from the boss and been sent to the scrapyard.
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He made the announcement at auditions in Wembley on Sunday, saying: “All these crazy things we used to do with themes have gone, no more jukeboxes, none of that rubbish this year.
“The public are smart enough to know what’s real, that’s what we are focusing on this year.”
The controversial jukebox wheel used to be spun at the end of the Sunday night’s results show to “randomly” choose the theme for the following week.
But it made some rather non-random decisions.
Fright Night happened to be selected on the week of Halloween and a Boyband vs Girlband theme was picked minutes after female group Four of Diamonds were saved from the bottom two.
Simon is clearly trying to make this year’s series more credible.
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There will also be less focus on novelty acts, encouraging more real talent.
An insider said: “Without the jukebox contestants will be able to sing to their full potential, without being constrained by a certain theme.
“This year has seen more acts sing their own music and Simon thinks this will be the best way to find original talent.” A great decision.
Must watch
WHAT? Tattoo Fixers on Holiday, E4, 9pm.
WHY? The tattoo team set up their pop-up shop to help badly-inked Brits abroad. In the opener of the new series, Sketch helps Bobby erase his dodgy cartoon character.
‘Criticism is just pants’
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DOCTOR Who guru Steven Moffat has hit out at those attacking the casting of JODIE WHITTAKER in the lead role.
He seemed to be in a bit of a lather at San Diego’s Comic-Con last weekend, insisting: “There has been no backlash, apart from one horrible spotty fat man in his basement typing in his pants.
Most fans are saying Jodie, is a brilliant actor and what a great piece of casting it is.”
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Joining Steven at the event were retiring Time Lord PETER CAPALDI, along with selfie-taking PEARL MACKIE and MATT LUCAS.
The decision to have a female doctor was made by new show boss Chris Chibnall, but Steven applauds him.
He said: “I didn’t know Chris’s plan until the announcement. It’s incredibly progressive and enlightened.”
I need to introduce Mr Moffat to some Doctor Who fans.
Rinder’s so into comedy
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JUDGE RINDER is moving out of the courtroom for his latest project.
The Strictly veteran and ITV daytime star has secured a pilot from Channel 4 for a new entertainment show called RinderLand.
It will include comedy, celebrity guests and sketches and is being made by GRAHAM NORTON’s production company So Television.
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An insider tells me: “Judge Rinder really showed off his fun side during his stint on Strictly Come Dancing last year and garnered lots of new fans.
“TV producers were keen to capitalise on his popularity so snapped him up for this new show.
“He’s really excited about the opportunity and will be calling on his celeb pals to come onto the show.”
I can’t wait to see The Sun’s legal eagle showing off his acting skills.
Soapbox
FOR once hardman Phil Mitchell has every right to ask “Woss goin’ on?” as he returns to Albert Square in tonight’s EASTENDERS.
He has an unhappy homecoming, though, as he has to come to terms with daughter Louise being attacked at her prom by Alexandra and Madison.
It’s a big contrast to his stress-free trip to Italy where he visited Grant and recovered from his liver transplant. Let’s just hope he steered clear of the booze.
During tonight’s hour-long episode of EMMERDALE, Pierce’s rape trial starts off badly for Rhona as he expertly portrays the role of a falsely accused victim.
It seems as though her chance for justice is getting slimmer.
The life of Di
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NEXT month Channel 4 screens a new documentary, Diana: In Her Own Words.
It will feature unseen, candid footage, including video recorded by her speech coach Peter Settelen, who she hired to help her reinvent her public persona.
The film, which marks 20 years since her death, will also feature interviews with Diana’s personal protection officer Ken Wharfe, private secretary Patrick Jephson, friend Dr James Colthurst and ballet teacher Anne Allan.
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Channel 4’s Ralph Lee said: “The tapes, which show a relaxed and off-duty Diana, are hugely illuminating about her personality, humour and charm.
“Combined with historical context and interviews with her closest confidants, this film provides a nuanced, multi-layered portrait of the most famous woman in the world and a mother who has shaped the future line of the Royal Family.”
Biz-bit
SAM FAIERS is soon to be a mum for the second time and now she has yet another reason to celebrate. The former Towie favourite has just signed a six-figure deal to film three more series of The Mummy Diaries for ITVBe.