Steve Jones on Hosting The X Factor: "I'm the Guy Who Has to Tell Simon Cowell to Stop Talking"

On December 6, 2011, Steve Jones joined a press call ahead of the X Factor Season 1 finale, airing Thursday, December 22nd on Fox. Jones — who came to the show from a high-profile presenting career in the UK — spoke about the unexpected difficulty of the job, the death threats that had surfaced in the press, Simon Cowell's on-air shutdown after Drew's elimination, and what he says to contestants in the moment their run ends.

"It's surprised me how tough it's been"

Jones was candid about the gap between expectation and reality: "It's been everything I hoped and much more. It's definitely measured up to the dream job status I was hoping for. But it's tough, to be honest with you. It's a hard show to do. It's kind of surprised me a little bit how hard the process is — the live element and steering the judges and all the rest of it." The core challenge, he explained, is structural: "It's hard to come across as a fun person and polite when you're steering such a beast and we're on limited time." In the ear during live broadcasts, producers are calling out instructions in real time: "Steve, get them to watch their act. Put them in camera shot. Move them, Steve." He described the cumulative pressure: "I've got like one minute to get out of the show and I'm rushing things and getting names of other shows wrong. It's tough. It's very tough. But in no way a complaint — it's exciting."

Death threats and perspective

Asked about reports of death threats connected to the show, Jones was measured: "Death threats always raise a certain amount of concern. I wouldn't like to speak to the validity of them. I don't know how serious they are, but I think a death threat is always something you have to take seriously." He added a note of exasperation: "They're awful. It is a TV show. I know there is a lot of money and a lot of fame at stake, but still — everybody just chill out. Please. It's a TV show."

Simon's shutdown — and the judges' real backstage dynamic

On Simon Cowell's refusal to comment after Drew's elimination: "My initial comment was I just thought it was a bit childish on Simon's part because people are invested in the show. They want to know what Simon Cowell thinks. I certainly do. When he refuses to do that it defeats the purpose. It defeats the object of the show." Jones said he understood what drove it: "He just felt cheated. He felt like people were attacking him from all sides. The great Simon Cowell shut down in that moment. He just didn't know what to do with himself." On the broader backstage dynamic: "It's very entertaining to watch, but one of the aspects of the show which has surprised me is the lack of theatrics. It's real. Simon was really angry at Nicole and Paula last week. He was livid. There are no theatrics. He wants to win. It's Simon Cowell. He's not really used to losing." Jones added: "It surprised me how nasty it can get on occasions. Just how real it is out there. It's really happening. It's not theatrics. It's really horrible on occasions."

What he tells contestants when it's over

On what he tries to convey in the elimination moment: "That I'm going to miss them and that they've done a fantastic job and their lives are not over. I know in that moment it seems like that is the end of everything. But of course, it's a tough situation to be in. But that's not the truth." He spoke about the abruptness of the goodbye: "My changing room is on the same level as the contestants. I hang out with them all day. We chat. We catch up. It's difficult when that just abruptly comes to an end. I might not ever see them again. And that's difficult in that moment." On the criticism that he's been rude: "Critique my hosting skills. Say I'm not funny. Fair enough. That's your prerogative. But it's been a bit harsh, the rudeness thing. I'm literally just doing my job trying to keep the show moving." On returning for Season 2: "If I'm back, I'll be overjoyed. If I'm not, I'll do something else. It's as simple as that. But I really do hope — I've loved doing the show. It's a dream job. So yes, I'd be back in a heartbeat." The X Factor Season 1 finale airs Thursday, December 22nd on Fox.

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