Dermot: I'll stand by Si

WOO-WEE kids! Halfway through and I think it's not unfair to say that the good ship X sailed through some choppy waters last week.

With that in mind it would be stupid of me not to address the issue everyone is talking about - Simon backing the twins.

Well, when Mr C opted to send Lucie home and thus take the show into deadlock, like most of you, my jaw was on the floor.

I couldn't believe it. He's been laying into them for the last five weeks and then, given a golden opportunity to get rid of them, he doesn't take it.

Now I can see how a cynic might think Simon had his own hidden reasons for doing that, but I think his motives were above board and straightforward.

He said he didn't believe either act could win the competition, so he went with who he and, in his opinion, the public would rather see perform again the following week, something that was backed up by the actual voting figures because Lucie received the fewest.

And no, I'm not saying that just because he's my boss! I genuinely think in his mind he believed, and still believes, the decision he made was sound.

One other thing though: It's always worth reminding ourselves that the show is about connecting with people as well as singing and performing. My friend's kid came down to the show last week and was in tears when John and Edward were in the final two.

Meanwhile Comeback Kid of the week has to be Danyl who. in a reverse Samson kind of way, cut his hair, turned into a different person and regained his strength.

If it's all a big ruse it certainly fooled Cheryl! In all seriousness though, I'm over the moon for him. Two weeks ago he looked a broken man, but he went out there and got a terrific reaction from the judges AND the crowd. He's definitely found a happy medium now and got his mojo back. Clearly, he doesn't believe he's the worst singer in the world, but at the same time he's hardly pretending to be Simon (no one could aspire to be that cocky). Definitely back in the running.

A word in support of Mr Afro: We know he hasn't been in the bottom two yet and we're getting used to that punched fist in the air (I always make a mental note not to stand too close to him when he's about to walk off, just in case).

But give this guy his due...he's our equivalent of a strong, tough, rugged marine. For the last two weeks his song has been changed on rehearsal day, giving him precious little time to learn it and the routine. Yet on each occasion he's gone on stage and nailed it.

I don't think there are many singers, amateur or pro, who could do that in such a short time, so hats off to him.

Back to the twins... I'm always amazed at how unaware they seem of all the furore surrounding them, and last week was no exception.

While they were at the centre of the storm, I went over to check on how they were (as I often do). They weren't particularly affected by the booing but instead pointed out a guy in the audience and told me it was their father.

I said I knew who he was because I'd met him a couple times before. But then they went on to say, 'No, look, see behind him, that's the Sugababes!'

They were so excited. Bless!

C'mon! Stick 'em up, Louis

MOVING on to my own little battle last week... not quite sure where Louis was coming from when he turned on me and said I was "just the presenter".

I have the utmost respect for him as a judge and a music manager, but I've got a job to do as well. I know I'm not a judge - I was just sticking up for Joe, as I would do for any of the acts, and asking questions. After all, that's what I'm paid to do.

There were no hard feeling afterwards though - me and Louis had a good laugh about it. He's a pal and I love him loads, but don't bet against it happening again. Put the gloves on, Walsh!

As I'm sure you know, X Factor couldn't happen if it wasn't for the huge army of people behind the scenes. They're an incredible team and one of them is series producer Mark Sidaway, aka Sid, who had his 38th birthday this week. Doesn't look a day over 45 - or he didn't before he started working for our lord and master! Happy birthday, buddy!

This article has 12 comments