X FACTOR contestant Giles Potter has defended its new format despite some people claiming the talent show has become “too cruel”.

Viewers threatened to stop watching the show after seeing upset contestants having to give up their seat on stage at Wembley Arena when a judge deemed another act to be better than them.

Among those tweeting the-ir disgust was comedian John Bishop: “Just watching X Factor – show business is a hard profession but not sure it has to be this cruel.”

Despite being seen in flo-ods of tears at the prospect of losing his seat, Giles, speaking to your Worcester News for the first time, has defended the new twist.

The 16-year-old from Norton, near Worcester, said: “People have been saying it is very cruel but they do it for a reason.

“At boot camp you have to fight for your chance to go to the live shows.

“They have to push you and want you to fight as far as you can.”

The 16-year-old had boun-ced back from a disastrous arena audition with his boot camp performance of Jason Mraz’s I Won’t Give Up – which had the audience on their feet.

Take That star Gary Bar-low, who had previously given Giles advice backsta-ge, was full of praise after Sunday night’s performance.

He said: “It’s been your best audition to date, Giles.

“Well done. You should be proud of yourself.”

Louis Walsh, mentor for the boys, awarded him the sixth seat but the former Pershore College student’s place was not guaranteed until the final two performers had sung.

They included 16-year-old Nicholas McDonald, who was singing the same song. “We are the same age and were singing the same songs so I thought Louis wouldn’t want both of us.

“We’re both very similar and whenever I am asked who my biggest competition was, I always said Nicholas.”

Louis decided to swap Nic-holas for 17-year-old Alejandro Fernandez.

Giles and Nicholas will be fighting for their place on the live shows against Sam Callahan, Paul Akister, Ryan Mathie and Luke Friend. The X Factor returns on Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 7.10pm.