From the weekly frock wars to Dermot O'Leary's daft dances, here's 10 reasons to adore the X Factor.
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Words: Michael Hogan. Pictures: Rex Features/ITV
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Booming voice over man. “It’s time! To face! The muuuuuuuuusic!”
Pictured: Peter Dickson, the "voice" of the X Factor
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Those magical, spine-tingly moments when an unlikely pop star shuffles on-stage, everyone sniggers… and then an incredible voice comes out.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Gary Barlow. National treasure. Guilty pleasure.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Playing spotter’s bingo with the judges’ clichés: made it your own, nailed it, out of your comfort zone, bit pitchy, owned the stage, you look like a pop star… And of course Louis Walsh’s traditional cry of “I want. You. In. De. Foinal!”
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Dermot O’Leary. No-one’s better at dispensing hugs, spinning round or doing daft little dance routines.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
There’s no TV show that’s more nation-uniting and watercooler-friendly. Everyone’s got an opinion.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Weekly frock wars between Tulisa and Nicole when we get to the live shows.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
There’s going to be a special Olympic-themed “Heroes” show, with the likes of Jess Ennis, Bradley Wiggins, Mo Farah and Ellie Simmonds appearing as mentors. Sideburns and Mobots all round!
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
Louis Walsh’s ever more-youthful face and weird two-tone hair.
Ten reasons to love and adore the X Factor
There’s no better accompaniment to Twitter, a takeaway and wine.