There are several mini-controversies currently gripping The X Factor in the wake of last weekend’s Judges' Houses shows.
There have been complaints about Jade Richards not making the live finals, complaints about Kitty Brucknell in general, and claims that younger contestants like 16-year-old Luke Lucas can’t take the pressure that the talent show puts on them.
Robbie Williams, who joined Boys’ mentor Gary Barlow at the weekend, expressed his concerns over the X Factor’s age limit, saying, "I do think 16 is a bit young, but when you get an opportunity you just grab it. If it was my son or my daughter, I don't think I would be pushing them that early. At 16… it is amazing how much of your hopes, dreams, wants become all about this. And if you don't get it then everything is broken.”
Youth charities even joined in with the debate, with a spokesperson from Kidscape commenting, “It's impossible for a boy Luke's age to have nerves of steel. I think it would be fairer to everyone to increase the minimum age to 18.”
However, it seems like everyone is worrying about Luke for no reason. He’s fine, and he’s even planning to audition for the show next year,
“I'm not sobbing – I'm obviously disappointed, but I've got to take it all in my stride,” he told BBC Five Live. “I'm still very young, but I'm going to work proper hard – I’m not going to sit at home and do nothing. X Factor make some room – because I’ll be back next year.”
So, there we have it, Luke isn't deeply traumatised. We can’t wait to see him back next year.