WHEN it comes to those programmes which claim to be out hunting for the next big thing, DanceX has proved that it's possible for the format to be utter crap.
For weeks now, the BBC has been trying to excite us with this random dance-off involving two judges from one, or more, of its other dancey programmes, not of which were as bad as this.
So it's with a sigh of relief that I spotted X Factor (ITV 1, 7.40pm) back on the schedules.
People often say ITV regularly nicks formats and concepts from the BBC, and fails to do it any better, but in terms of this genre of reality TV, ITV is miles ahead.
That's not to say ITV is just sticking with a tried and trusted formula. Simon Cowell binned off Louis Walsh from the judging panel (then invited him back as part of the most contrived PR stunt of the year) and Kate Thornton as presenter (she didn't get a reprieve).
So instead, we have Dermot O'Leary presenting, and a bizarre judging panel of four which now includes Danni Minogue (Kylie's less successful singer, last seen sining for a Blackburn record company). And there's some American chap who Louis replaces midway through the auditions.
But all that is a simple sideshow to the main event: The auditions. X Factor works well in two spells: Several weeks of auditions, then I miss several of the live shows and tune in for the last couple just before Christmas.
It really is, at least for the next few weeks, all about those who think they can sing, but can't. Get ready to laugh. A lot.
Also tonight:
Celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire (ITV1, 8.40pm): Ormskirk bloke Jon Culshaw, aka the very excellent impersonator, is on tonight.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who S****** Me (C4, 9.15pm): Like the Simpsons in the sense that you have to watch it again because you laugh so much the first time you miss half the jokes
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