1 Love it or hate it, The X Factor is the cornerstone of ITV’s weekend schedule attracting an audience of more than 12 million on ITV1 and a further 2 million who watch the after-show fallout on ITV2. The programme is broadcast live each week from Fountain Studios in Wembley, West London

2 He’s the co-owner of the programme format, executive producer of the show and a multimillionaire media mogul — but why do they all want to sit next to Simon Cowell?

3, 4, 5 Dannii Minogue used to enjoy the plum spot next to the boss, but after the huge success of Cheryl Cole, Minogue was asked to shift along. At the time she said: “He moved me away from him and now sits next to Cheryl and is in her ear all the time. It is a snub but I’m fine.” Last week Minogue’s position was changed again, this time to the far end of the judges’ desk.The latest reshuffle has further fuelled intense tabloid speculation that Dannii has lost favour with Cowell

6 Every Sunday professional performers grace the stage to promote a latest hit and inevitably, the next week they will be at No 1

7 When they’re not on stage performing, being mentored or attending film premieres to try to milk every last second of fame from their 15 minutes, the contestants live together in a large house in Golders Green, North London. The fans congregating outside the property, singing, chanting, painting of graffiti and flashing has annoyed local residents

8 & 9 The popularity of the Irish twins John, pictured left, and Edward Grimes, right, better known as “Jedward” continues to astound the judges. Week after week, the pair woo the public with ambitious choreography, elaborate stage shows and relentless energy. Their odds of winning the show have been cut from 150-1 to 4-1.

10 & 11 Rachel Adedeji has been voted out, and Danyl Johnson has had to sing for his survival despite both being accomplished vocal performers

Tim Glanfield