[Arneldo]

Simon Cowell is considering introducing a children's category to The X Factor next year.

The judge hopes to keep the show fresh in 2006 by searching for child stars and signing up a new judge.

"It's all about spicing things up and keeping interest high," Cowell told The Mirror. "We're throwing all sorts of ideas around. The new category will be for 14 to 18-year-olds. Now all we need is a new judge."

Take That star Gary Barlow and Pop Idol's Nicki Chapman are being tipped to join the show as the fourth mentor.

DS

[texbex]

YEAHHHHHHH! I HOPE THIS HAPPENS I AM WELL ENTERING!!!

[Dan_]

I'm not too sure about that idea, like the show as it is tbh.

[BigSister]

Yeah I agree with Dan seems a bit tacky and cringy

[katieee]

nooooo dont do it

[lily.]

I don't think its a good idea.. cuz they are well harsh on the contestants sometimes and kids wont be able to take it ..

mind you, some of the adults cant take it either.

[lily.]

Oh lordy.. i just read that last post back to myself.. and all I can hear is "Well Harsh" <--Vicky Pollard style!

best lay off the wine eh..?..

[BigSister]

Stropz. Did any 1 see the auditionnes with My way

[lily.]

actually.. I really must go.. the vino is affecting the eyesight.. and the typing is slower than normal.. *hic hic hic*

Predator just came on ITV2, so I will go and watch it for the 100th time...

[Arneldo]

Originally posted by BigSister
Stropz. Did any 1 see the auditionnes with My way

That was hilerious!

I loved 'Lottys at it again' woman - she should have made it to the Final! lol

Arrr ive got it stuck in my head now - Lottys at it agin!

[BigSister]

she scared me though Aaron "Sing them a song Della

[Ruth]

I think this children's category is a terrible idea - it's far too cringey.

I don't think it'll be possible coz there never usually use kids! If it's true, us would love to join! Watch this space!

[ThaGazBoi]

TBH, I think this a great idea. It gives more of a chance for kids to be singers and show of some talent. I do however agree with whoever said that the kids cant take the critisism. If 15 year olds can enter then i will be entereting!!

[CharlotteSometimes]

The article in the Mirror didn't say that he was 'considering' doing this - it stated it as fact. It's a daft idea, as none of the judges are going to risk the backlash of harsh criticism. And would it be fair if a 14-year-old child was in the final against an adult - to either of them? There'd be lots of problems with the amount of time that they'd be allowed to 'work' too, and they wouldn't be allowed to drop out of school. I'm not sure that ITV would agree to the extended running time that would be needed, either.

The application form for next year says that you must be aged 16 or over on April 1st. 2006.

[Crystal-Rose]

thats a great idea about having teenagers be able to audition, they should of done that this year, hopefully next year though yaynesss

[EugeneSully]

but its screwing up their education...And kids take it far too seriously. Let them have more time to decide what they want from life.

It'll be like another repeat of S club 8 who were absolute garbage.

[duaxeallowed]

OMG please do that even tho ill be 18 next year lol but my cousion can also go as well she will be 14 shes got a brill voice aww dat wood be kewl!!