A STATUS update on Facebook, said it all: "Am I the only one not watching The X Factor?"

Responses to the question only came once the show had ended, which would suggest that she was correct in assuming that she was a lone ranger.

That particular night, The X Factor pulled in 15 million viewers — a record for the show, proving that its juggernaut is simply unstoppable.

But why such extensive appeal? What is it about this show that generates such a cult-like following? What separates it from the countless other reality TV talent shows that have flooded our screens over the years?

Obviously, the inexorable rise in its ratings is aided somewhat by our enforced spending restrictions, but The X Factor has always been a show that people can bond over. We all have our favourite contestant and judge. Heated discussions ensue during the ad break as to who was impressive and who wasn’t.

Rarely do two people agree. Plus, there’s always a talking point. Last week, we had Whitney Houston’s wardrobe malfunction and incoherent speech. The same week, we were left to wonder whether Cheryl Cole sang or mimed.

Even her choice of attire was a cause of much exchange.

The previous week, we were left appalled by Dannii Minogue’s outing of one of the show’s contestants. Now, we’re consumed by the latest rumour that Boyzone’s first performance since Stephen Gately’s death could take place live on The X Factor.

On a production level, the show is faultless. With clearly no money spared in its putting together, The X Factor is sparkly, cheesy, camp, full of drama and, best of all, live. Obviously, it’s widely accepted that the show is as much about the judges as it is about the contestants, in the same way as it is as much about entertainment as it is about talent — just ask the Grimes twins. Each year, the show provides a car-crash contestant — someone who shouldn’t be there, but because they are they spark a heated debate.

Irish twins John and Edward can neither sing nor dance and perform in a way that makes you want to watch from behind a pillow — yet they have received more publicity than any other contestant.

Furthermore, because the judges are pitted against one another, they bicker constantly.

Whether it is contrived or not, it keeps the dynamic between them interesting.

Undeniably, all the judges bring something unique to the show. However, it is Simon Cowell who is the obvious star.

Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole and Dannii could tell a contestant that they had the makings to sell as many albums as The Beatles, yet if Simon disapproves, their performance is deemed a failure and the votes will probably reflect that.

His clout in the music industry also ensures that some of the world’s biggest stars perform on the show.

In the past few weeks, we’ve seen two huge stars — Robbie Williams and Whitney Houston — attempt a comeback. Granted, both were laughably bad. But that’s not relevant. What really matters is that they both chose The X Factor as the vehicle to relaunch their careers.

Tonight, we can look forward to Westlife taking to the stage following a year’s absence.

Cheryl Cole’s hiring as a judge has given the show the freshness and glamour it needed. Undeniably beautiful, men like looking at her, while women like looking at what she’s wearing. The rivalry between her and fellow judge Dannii succeeds in garnering column inches.

You’ve probably discovered at this stage that to go far in The X Factor, you will need a story. Last year, we had Rachel Hylton, a former drug addict whose children were taken into care, and Daniel Evans, whose wife had recently died giving birth to their daughter.

As they told us of their plight, much to your disbelief, you were blubbering like a baby, willing them to win. Just in case you didn’t hear, this year’s contestant Jamie Archer almost died of a horrific throat bug and doctors feared he would never perform again. For that reason, and no other, I’m tipping him to win.