The X Factor 2017: Less than 40 hopefuls show up to Margate auditions for ITV reality show
THE PROSPECT of winning The X Factor failed to raise much excitement in Margate as just 10 people queued up for auditions in the first two hours on Sunday.
The X Factor auditions failed to draw the crowds in Margate
The X Factor: Contestant Philip Hadlow 'Rick rolls' the judges
It is believed that over the course of the day, fewer than 40 hopefuls turned out for the chance to appear on Simon Cowell's singing contest.
Photographer Ruth Cuerden went along to Dreamland, Margate where the auditions were being held.
Ruth said: “I thought ‘have I missed it?’ Then I asked the security guard and he said I might have a better chance of seeing a queue after about an hour or longer. It was a disappointing turnout.”
When contacted by Express.co.uk, an X Factor spokesperson said: “The numbers are higher than last year for Kent so it isn’t a poor turnout. Overall we’ve had tens of thousands of people apply for this series so numbers are healthy.”
The X Factor auditions failed to draw the crowds in Margate
Fewer than 40 hopefuls turned out to perform at Dreamland
It was a disappointing turnout
While a show source added: “These are the small scale pod auditions where people drop by - not the large scale events filmed for TV which will happen later in spring.
"The numbers for Kent were more than last year and these smaller auditions are successful – James Arthur auditioned this way and he’s now got a double platinum single”.
Philip Hadlow, 47, was one of the few auditionees who attended the event.
The aspiring singer returned with a self-penned song about rejection after failing to make it through in 2016.
The X Factor 2016 reject Philip Hadlow turned out for another shot at the competition
Philip said: "Auditioning was a lot different to what I thought it was going to be.
"I was so nervous waiting in the queue - that’s the bad bit - but when I performed it was quite surreal.
"I just gave it my best shot, really."
The lack of interest in The X Factor follows last year's dismal ratings performance with Matt Terry's victory being the least-watched finale in the history of the series.