[James]

Richard Park probably knows that 5 or 6 people are not going to make a huge career out of Fame Academy, and that's why he's so critical - even in the final stages. And of course he knows it makes better TV.

The trouble with the teachers is that Fame Academy is as much about image as Pop Idol - albeit a different image they hope - but they don't want to admit it. It's ironic that Alistair gets criticised by Carrie, for example, for having a whining vocal but Peter gets constant praise, despite not actually proving to the public that he can sing.

In the context of what the students are expected to do on the showdowns, Peter never shows the audience that he is more than a parody of a popstar. He could have talent, but that is hidden to the voters.

It's very much looking like a two-horse race now between Alistair and Alex. Alistair might be edging ahead because he has been performing his own songs.