X Factor returns

The search for the next Leona Lewis or Alexandra Burke began on ITV1 last night when X Factor returned to our screens. The popular talent contest, fronted by judges Simon Cowell, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl Cole and Louis Walsh is now in it's sixth series but the show still remains as popular as ever.

Last night's opening show drew in 9.9 million viewers, a slight drop on last year's 10.19 million but the show did peak at a impressive 11.64 million viewers at 8.20pm. Despite the long running success of the show Simon Cowell has decided to change the audition process, with auditionees not only having to impress the judges but also a live audience.

The format, similar to that of Britain's Got Talent (BGT) is a bold step by Cowell. I can see why the music industry expert has decided to make the change. Crowds played an important role in hugely successful shows like BGT, think back to Susan Boyle's audition. The reaction of the crowd was one of the reason's her audition became so popular worldwide. It also lets the auditionees show of their performance as well as singing skills as they try and wow the crowd, for example the talented Danyl Johnston last night who received a standing ovation from the audience and the judges.

But whilst it can help some contestants the show seems to have lost the intimate feel between judges and contestants, where hopefuls had to impress solely with their voice. The judges banter has also suffered and the crowd reaction seems to dominate proceedings more.

Whilst I wasn't completely convinced with the new format I enjoyed he return on one of my favourite shows. It may take time for viewers to get used to the live audience but the X Factor made a welcome return last night as Simon Cowell and co search for a new star.

Picture from Mirror.

Three of the best

On Tuesday EastEnders broadcast a special three-handed episode when Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer), Ronnie Mitchell (Samantha Womack) and Dot Branning (June Brown) shared their troubles over a drink in the Queen Vic.

The London-based soap is known for producing special character based episodes - think back to June Brown's brillant solo episode in 2008 when Dot recorded a message for her poorly husband Jim (John Bardon). Whilst Tuesday's episode was nowhere near as special or moving it was still entertaining, emotional and a enjoyable change in format.

The unique episode centred on the trio of women confronting and opening up about their troubles. Ronnie contemplated her recent involvment with Joel, their past and the loss of her daughter Danielle. Whilst an upset Bianca also struggled to deal with her complicated love-life and feelings for Ricky, Dot faced the prospect of retirement from the laundrette and the return of her husband Jim.

Their first meeting; in which Bianca and Dot turned up at The Vic in search of a drink was a nice way of bringing the characters together. Expectedly the conversation soon turned nasty between fiery Bianca and frosty Ronnie; both berating the other about their mothering skills. After opening up to each other Ronnie and Bianca's conversation and interaction was sweet and it was enjoyable to watch two unlikely friends forming a sometimes comical bond.

Whilst Bianca and Ronnie talked in the Vic Dot made the occasional appearance as she faced the idea of retirement. Dot was clearly the lynchpin of the episode, bringing the three women together. But whilst June Brown gives a convincing performance as the lonely pensioner I felt that her interaction with both Bianca and Ronnie was slightly forced, her apperances not blending into the plot aswell as those of Ronnie and Bianca.

After twenty-five minutes of well paced drama I felt the ending was rushed, the writers clearly wanting to show the impacts on the interactions within the one episode as Bianca returned to find Ricky gone and Ronnie went to Joel's and delivered him an ultimatuim.

All three actresses gave convincing performances and on the whole their characters and stories worked well together. It was an enjoyable to watch the change in format and one that EastEnders could explore again if they choose the right characters and plotlines.

Picture from Digital Spy