[Z]

Deadlock was a shock when Sharon Osbourne used it for the first time, well into the fourth series. IMO it should be used sparingly, and not like last year where it was used almost every single week. This is why an odd numbered judging panel is far better; there is no backing out of being ruthless. It was far tenser when, say Simon and Louis had an act in the bottom two; Sharon had to cast the deciding vote. All of the judges + the acts in the bottom two were put under enormous pressure and it made for better viewing.

Do you guys prefer it when deadlock is used sparingly, or do you think it's better to use it regularly? The obvious advantage of using it is that it prevents acts who didn't come bottom of the voting from going home; but I think the clearest example of the benefit of not using it comes from last year's X Factor when they sent home Jedward over Olly, despite Jedward having more votes...