Brian Friedman predicts The X Factor finalists

Brian Friedman predicts The X Factor finalists
Brian Friedman predicts The X Factor finalists (Image credit: PA Wire/Press Association Images)

The dance choreographer reveals who he thinks will be the last three acts standing in this year's X Factor competition. Brian, who's official role is Creative Director on The X Factor, has tipped One Direction, Matt Cardle and Cher Lloyd to make it all the way to the final. Speaking to Closer magazine, Brian also said he thinks Cheryl made the right decision not to put Gamu through. "I said to Cheryl at the time, ,I love Gamu, how come she didn't make it?' and she gave me all the same reasons you saw on the show. You have to remember what the judges are looking for - Gamu didn't make it because some of the other girls were more marketable. "Look at who Cheryl chose - Rebecca Ferguson, Katie Waissell and Cher Lloyd. We haven't heard a voice like Rebecca's in a long time, it's really special." But despite touting Cher as one of this year's finalists, Brian does have a soft spot for Katie. "I've backed her from the beginning. She's undeniably a star - she's got a really unique look and ability. It makes sense to have her and she's been one of my favourites since the word go."

Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 


An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.