Royal show shifted for X Factor
Published Date: 05 December 2009
By Nick Hyde
BLACKPOOL’S biggest entertainment night in 54 years has been shifted from its prime time TV slot – to make way for the X Factor.
The resort is buzzing with excitement ahead of Monday night’s Royal Variety Performance at the Opera House.
But the broadcast has been switched from Sunday to Wednesday, December 16 for the X Factor final.
Hosted by Peter Kay and starring Lady Gaga, Katherine Jenkins, Bette Midler and Whoopi Goldberg, the show has lost out to Simon Cowell’s talent contest.
The X Factor is now to be split over two nights as the results show is spun out into a second programme on a Sunday instead of later on the Saturday evening.
Lee Connolly, executive producer of the Royal Variety Performance, explained: “The Royal Variety Performance will be televised on December 16. It was originally to be shown on Dec-ember 13.
“The X Factor was originally meant to be on the Saturday but it has run for two shows every week.
“So it was decided there would be an extra finale show which will clash with the Royal Variety Show.
“Wednesday is a great night for the show. It’s just before Christmas and it will be great family viewing.”
However, the switch has not gone down well with everyone. BBC executives are understood to be fuming as the X Factor final now clashes with the Sports Personality of the Year.
And Blackpool variety star Duggie Chapman, who will be at Monday’s Royal Variety Performance, said: “They’re breaking with tradition in moving the Royal Variety Performance to a midweek slot.
“Everything is geared up for the kids, no-one seems to bother about tradition.”
