SIR – I refer to the recent letter from Thomas Driver (T&A, January 4) and am inclined to follow his suspicion regarding The X Factor and the realisation that the actual performers themselves are being dwarfed by all the drama and financial intrigue which surrounds the programme.

I am no ‘lover’ of Simon Cowell, but it would be churlish not to admire the way he has manipulated the ITV Saturday autumn schedule in his favour. Indeed, how can ITV not work with him as they garner the advertising revenue that the favourable viewing figures obviously attract?

However, my wife was quite incisive during the show’s semi-finals where the final four dueted with a ‘star’. Was it purely convenience from the voting that Cher Lloyd was allied with (the ridiculously named) Will.i.am and not – and let’s be kind here – the more mature Mary Byrne?

How refreshing to have watched Sky’s Must Be The Music – The Winners Story over Christmas.

Three judges – Jamie Cullum, Sharleen Spiteri and Dizzee Rascal – all quite content to leave their egos at home and allow the artists to have the spotlight.

And as for the winner, what a singer she is – and get this, performing her own material!

From busker to television star, step up Emma Gillespie aka Emma’s Imagination – it is her debut album I will be buying and not Mr Cardle’s.

John Murphy, Cooper Lane, Bradford