Simon Cowell has admitted that there wasn't enough "raw talent and personality" in the finals of the 2011 X Factor.

The series was eventually won by girl group Little Mix, with Marcus Collins and Amelia Lily taking the silver and bronze medals respectively.

And whilst Cowell has recently put the blame on himself - saying he was too "cocky" and "smug" last year - he has now criticised the contestants for their lack of charm. He told the Daily Mail:

"We have good years and cr***y years and there just wasn't enough raw talent and personality in this year's finals. Certainly the X Factor here felt sub-standard. It won't happen again. The selection process has to be better."