Craig Revel Horwood Talks About X Factor Audition Faults

Recently, outspoken judge of Strictly and accomplished theatrical choreographer Craig Revel Horwood revealed that in his opinion, the X Factor is "over-produced" in its current format. In particular, he talked about the way that hopeful contestants audition in front of a huge live audience as well as the judging panel.

Craig voiced his opinion when speaking to Alan Carr on his Chatty Man show, commenting: "They should go back to having auditions just as plain as they used to be."

A fellow Strictly judge meanwhile has disagreed with his view, as saying she thinks the programme's current format is spot on.

She argued: "When there's a bit of change people get a bit funny with it but next year you will be used to the new judges' line-up and everyone will be cool with it again."

The X Factor show has seen significant changes of late - three judges have been changed this year.

Meanwhile, in other major Strictly news, the Famous Five have been hard at work in the training room, learning no less than two routines for the semi-final this Saturday.

After all their efforts, one can only hope that they meet the exacting, professional standards of Mr Revel Horwood. The dance styles and music selection that these hopeful stars will be shortly performing are as follows:

Alex and James - Waltz to 'You Make Me Feel Like a Natural Woman' by Aretha Franklin / Salsa to '1-2-3-4' by Gloria Estefan.

Chelsee and Pasha - American Smooth to 'Time After Time' by Cyndi Lauper / Paso Doble to 'Malaguena' by 101 Strings Orchestra.

Harry and Aliona - Viennese Waltz to 'This Year's Love' to David Gray / Charleston to 'I'm Just Wild About Harry' by Peggy Lee.

Holly and Artem - Argentine Tango to 'Por Una Cabeza' by Itzhak Perlman, John Williams & Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra / Charleston to 'We No Speak Americano' by Yolanda Be Cool.

Jason and Kristina – Argentine Tango to 'Assassin's Tango' performed in a traditional arrangement / Samba to 'Blame It On The Boogie' by Michael Jackson.

Another stand-out happening in the Strictly world is the announcement this week that for the first time ever, the BBC will be broadcasting Strictly Come Dancing, The Final, in crystal clear High Definition on Saturday 17th December. Fans will be able to celebrate the winners in high style at home though the BBC HD Channel.