X Factor creative director Brian Friedman has heaped praise on the contestants of the 2010 X Factor.

The series saw the likes of One Direction, Cher Lloyd and Rebecca Ferguson emerge from the finals.

It was eventually won by Matt Cardle, but Friedman told MailOnline that he thinks it will be hard to beat that series.

He said: "There is different reasons I like different seasons. I think because this one has been so fun from the beginning to now - it is one of my favourites.

"But the year we had Katie Waissel, Rebecca Ferguson, One Direction and Cher Lloyd, I felt like we had stars across the board. Everyone was incredible and could have won it."

Speaking about this year's series, Friedman added:

"I think we're growing. Fleur is a stand out star. She is at that level and I could see her making it in America."

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Watch clips from the 2010 X Factor below: