Ronan Keating: 'The X Factor is too gimmicky and needs a revamp'

Ronan Keating has admitted that he thinks The X Factor UK has become “too gimmicky” and that it could do with a revamp.

The former Boyzone star, who acted as a judge on the Australian X Factor from 2010 to 2014, revealed that he thinks the idea of resting the show for a year wouldn’t be a bad idea.

“I think resting the show for a year isn’t a bad plan. It is such a strong brand – people would then look forward to it coming back.

“There would be no harm in that. They need to get the right panel, which is key.”

Revamp: Ronan has appeared as a judge on the Australian X Factor

“It would be re-energised. I love the format but I think it became too gimmicky over the last few years. It definitely needs a revamp.”

Speaking about the controversy surrounding the fact that The Voice, rival show to The X Factor, will also be aired on ITV this year, Ronan thinks it’s a positive move to encourage some healthy competition. 

“It will be great competition for The X Factor and ITV do make great shows,” he told the Daily Star Sunday. 

“The X Factor does need the competition to almost resurrect it again, which I would love to see happen.

Rivalry: Ronan thinks the X Factor needs some healthy competition | HUGO GLENDINNING

Ronan joins the opinion of former X Factor UK host Dermot O’Leary, after he admitted that he thinks the show needs to take a break for a year and go back to it’s roots. 

“If I was Simon, I’d take it off air for a year. I’d rest it, then I’d get back to the rooms. For me it was always room, arena, boot camp.

“Also, I was really uncomfortable about the Six Chair Challenge. I don’t think it’s a particularly nice bit of television,” Dermot told the Mirror.