X Factor's James Arthur says it doesn't need a revamp

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Page last updated at 07:56 GMT, Thursday, 13 December 2012

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Interview by Greg Cochrane, words by Dan Whitworth
Newsbeat reporters

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James Arthur talks about an X Factor revamp

The winner of this year's X Factor, James Arthur, has questioned whether the show needs a makeover after fewer people tuned into this series.

The 11.1 million people who tuned in to Sunday night's series finale was the lowest figure since 2006.

He said: "All this stuff about X Factor needing a revamp - it can't need one that much because a lot of people seem to have been interested in my single."

The 24-year-old has the fastest-selling winner's single in the show's history.

His cover of Shontelle's Impossible had sold 255,000 copies by Tuesday.

Game changer

James, though, says this year's series has "rejuvenated the X Factor".

"[This year] has been a game changer," he said.

Simon Cowell called me for the first time yesterday. I was like, 'This has got to be a joke, is this real?'

James Arthur

"People like Lucy Spraggan, Ella Henderson, Jahmene, Kye and so on - all these people are genuine, authentic singer/songwriters.

"Hopefully that's going to encourage real musos to come forward for shows in the future.

"Then we'll get real authenticity on the X Factor."

Official Charts Company Managing Director Martin Talbot said: "There has been a lot said about X Factor's popularity this year and questions have been raised that perhaps its momentum is beginning to wane.

"But this amazing opening performance by James Arthur suggests that it remains the pre-eminent launch pad for new artists.

James Arthur added: "Simon Cowell called me for the first time yesterday.

"I was like, 'This has got to be a joke, is this real?'

"He was really nice, really complimentary and reinforced that he wanted me to carry on doing what I do best and not let anyone tell me what to do."

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