Chinese ambassador to London 'loves TV's X Factor'

November 06, 2009 11:22:38 AM

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China's ambassador to London revealed Thursday she is a fan of hit TV talent show "The X Factor" -- even though some of her embassy colleagues have complained about living near the show's contestants.

Fu Ying said she had her "favourite contestants" on the show, which drew a record audience of 15.8 million viewers last week and has produced spin-offs around the world, although she said it would be "unfair" to name them.

Her comments were contained in an article in The Sun newspaper, amid reports that Chinese embassy staff living near the contestants' house in north London had complained about the noise caused by hoards of fans standing outside.

"I learned about the 'X Factor' in the neighbourhood from embassy colleagues living nearby who complained about the noise made by young fans outside the X Factor house," the ambassador wrote.

"My daughter emailed me wondering if she could fly in and join the screaming fans!

"I have to admit that I also enjoy watching the 'X Factor' when there is time and I have my favourite contestants."

But she said all the acts had "great qualities", adding: "It is is going to be a very close competition and will be difficult for the judges, who are of impressively high quality."

Fu said the excitement sparked by the show in Britain was similar to that surounding Chinese shows, including the "Kuai Girls" this year which attracted 150,000 contestants and drew an audience of 230 million viewers to the finals.

"The beauty of such shows is that they give young people a chance to realise their dreams," Fu added.

"When I was young the circumstance in China was different, I'm glad my daughter's generation is lucky to have more opportunities in life thanks to the progress and prosperity that China today offers."