Kasabian: X Factor is like Batman villain

The influence of The X Factor is trampling on the rest of the UK music industry, according to Kasabian vocalist Tom Meighan.

Simon Cowell's talent show has come in for strong criticism from established artists such as Moby and Sting in recent weeks, and Meighan has now contributed the most outspoken attack on the programme to date.

He told the Daily Record: "The X Factor is like something The Riddler would do in Batman. It sucks out everyone's brains. Everyone gets sucked into the TV screen for The X Factor. The nation is in a trance."

Meighan added that the show's success is responsible for the current dominance of the charts by pop acts - something he believes has made it harder for rock bands to break through because music industry executives are not interested in them.

The singer added that the quality of music produced by X Factor contestants is "appalling" and admitted he was concerned that children interested in a career in music may now aspire to appearing on the show.

By Claire Johnson