Albarn demands end to 'X Factor'

Damon Albarn has called for The X Factor to be scrapped immediately.

The Blur frontman cited the ITV talent search as the cause of society's skewed priorities during a stint as guest editor of Radio 4's Today programme.

He said: "We need to dismantle very significant parts of our culture and really re-examine them. For a start you have to get rid of things like The X Factor immediately.”

The 39-year-old added: “I think it sends out all the wrong messages. I think it’s creating a mindset which suggests that you can get something for nothing, that it’s easy to acquire status and fame, which is rubbish. It should be one of the hardest things to do.”

X Factor winner Leon Jackson is currently at number one with his debut single 'When You Believe', while Blur battled for five years before finding success with their breakthrough album Parklife in 1994.

An HMV spokesman said: “X Factor does raise expectations of some people with no talent but it’s also a new way of introducing genuine talent direct to the public.

“Leona may never have found a career without the show. Girls Aloud and Will Young have built careers from talent shows. The paying public votes with their feet.”