Photo: ITV
Depending on your tolerance to inspirational teenagers sobbing over a recently released Sony powerballad, the return of X Factor to TV screens this weekend will be something to celebrate - or run far, far away from.
But no matter how far you try to distances yourself from the talent show, it wil find you. The goings on of the judges, the contestants, the presenters, the guests and even the backstage staff now seep into every day life, so huge has the television music show become. The show has also taken over the charts, both in the UK and overseas, with former contestants (and not only the winners) scoring huge international success from the show.
So, ahead of this weekend's X Factor return, find out how the show went from a humble talent show to the dominant force in the music industry, to a bubble straining to burst and release us all from its inoffensive, family friendly grip...
