A would be searing expose of the reality behind a reality talent contest I found this a little laboured and repetitive with no redeeming characters (except perhaps Millicent) and a frankly ridiculous plot-line featuring the Prince of Wales. However it was entertaining and scarily informative! ( )

Would have liked it better if I'd actually seen / been interested in any reality talent shows... So don't go by my rating... ( )

Another non-challenging book I took on holiday to cover a couple of evenings & an awfully long wait at the airport on the way home (about 4 hours).

I hold my hands up: I've never watched X factor, Pop Idol or any of the 'talent'or reality type shows that we are currently overwhelmed with, so have very little to compare this book to. Having said that, Ben Elton's jaundiced view of how these things work fits in with how I think they do (which is probably one of the reasons why I've never bothered watching). He takes all the characters involved and stretches them into overblown charactertures to good effect, neatly tying it up with a couple of last minute twists to make you smile.

Not the best of his work, but if you like his style & find the whole celebrity & 'talent' tv stuff funny, it's not a bad read. Perfect for passing the time without having to think.
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A good read but a bit OTT ( )

I love real people fiction, I really do. HRH Prince Charles is simply the star. Elton is bitter and delightful; his formula works and he doesn't try to muck with it. ( )