in the immediate post-mortem post that Mel's departure might indicate producers having it in for Gary. It's an explanation that perfectly fits the facts. I guess we didn't dwell on this this time because, as you know, judge rivalry has been such an integral part of the way the show has always been sold, and over the years it's generally paid to assume that the stories about judge rivalry are all for show, so we've evolved a default scepticism setting about any behind-the-scenes tension stories. Having said that, Gary's position as non-Simon alpha male is obviously unprecedented in the show's history and thus takes us into uncharted territory. A question, though: Why not just let Gary walk? If relations have broken down to such an extent, in any normal job you'd expect the employee to be escorted directly out of the building while IT disables their email login. Wouldn't they be worried about the prospect of a humiliated Gary sitting on the panel with no acts left? What would stop him saying whatever he liked? For me I cant have this scenario. When signing up for X Factor, their will be numerous clauses in the contracting covering Syco in all areas. Cant have anything like a tell-all book coming out. Just unrealisitic for me. Also Short term it would make good tv viewing seeing gary with no acts. But then for the long term when their are 7 weeks left. His role will be pointless and be sure the novelty