'X Factor' winner Joe McElderry says the show needs to be a 'safe space'

Joe McElderry, former winner of The X Factor has said that the singing competition needs to become a "safe space".

The singer was discussing the prospect of the reality show returning to screens after it was axed by ITV in 2021 and has been criticised for being "cruel".

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Talking to Access All Areas, McElderry highlighted some ways The X Factor could improve: “I hope if it does come back, they do make some more changes to make it a bit more of a safe space for artists in terms of the way the contracts are formed and the aftercare of the artists and things like that.”

He added: "We're hearing more and more stories about how people suffered on those shows, and not just X Factor, lots of other reality shows as well. It's not just that one. I do think changes are being made but I still think there's a long way to go. So, I hope if it does come back, it's made in a safe place in the artists' interests that are going onto the show.”

There have been recent reports that The X Factor is set to return on a different channel after not airing on ITV since 2018.

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Channel 5 were reportedly leading the race to acquire the show which is responsible for acts such as Little Mix, One Direction, Leona Lewis and Olly Murs.

McElderry won The X Factor in 2009 and later achieved a number one single with a cover of Miley Cyrus' 'The Climb'.

He has since embarked on a career on stage, appearing in touring versions of Tommy and Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Later this year, he is set to perform a tribute tour to George Michael who he performed with on The X Factor.

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