X Factor reunites ‘iconic’ acts for reunion – but it’s a disappointing mess

Some of the most iconic X Factor acts have reunited for a new project, but not everyone is happy about it. 

Why? Well, this reunion isn’t for a new album or TV show; it’s to advertise mayonnaise. 

Yes, you read that right: the good people at Hellmann’s (the company behind a great mayonnaise and a so-so ketchup) have spared no expense in bringing back some of the biggest names ever to enter Simon Cowell’s lair. 

So who did they get for their ad?

Did Harry Styles take a break from his world tour to shill tangy egg sauce? Has Perrie got the girls back together to sell a little mix of oil, yolk and lemon juice? Maybe Jedward have stopped being absolute legends to promote Tommy Fury’s favourite condiment? 

Well, no. As deep as the Hellmanns family’s pockets likely are, even they have their limits. Still, they did manage to get Honey G as well as Ant & Seb.

Honey G, of course, needs no introduction (she’s famously got the ‘got the whole world sayin’ her name’) while Ant & Seb are legendary even outside of the X Factor fandom after their unforgettable rendition of Peter Andre’s Mysterious Girl.

Even better, these ‘Eggs Factor’ stars are singing a clever cover of Sweet Caroline where the words ‘Good times never seemed so good’ have been changed to Hellmann’s makes it taste so good.’

Genius. I hope the team behind that lyric got the day off after penning that fire.  

So with acts this big and an absolute belter of a song in the mayo ad, why are fans so annoyed? 

Well, they’re upset that their favourites didn’t make the cut. 

On X, @txbamxnmicxh_s rather scathingly wrote: ‘No Holli D Grey Jervais, no Ablisa, no Rachel Lester, no Dawn the apprentice jockey, no AI Zoe Alexander, no Kelly Northall, no Emma Chawner, no Spanish Penelope, no Debbie Stevens. This is not iconic in the slightest.’

 @randomstuffxzxz was similarly annoyed, asking ‘And what about Holly Jervis?’

While @BRATTYBARBl shared pics of Rachel Lester, Holly Jervis, Dawn Gerrard, and Kelly Northall and joked that Hellmann’s ‘couldn’t afford the divas.’

I know what you’re thinking, though. 

You’ve sat there asking: ‘Tom, you’re a tastemaker on the cutting edge of what’s hot and what’s not. What do you think of the advert?’

Well, I can honestly say, dear reader, that when it comes to adverts for mayonnaise that I’ve watched, this is definitely one of them. 

In all seriousness, is this good? Are we happy with this? Novelty acts from yesteryear reliving that time they got humiliated on national TV to peddle the second-best condiment? 

It sounds like an idea an ageing millennial ad exec would think was funny that somehow got out of hand. 

I think, though, what’s worst about it is how toothless this is. It’s got as much bite to it as mayonnaise.

The thing that was funny about these acts was that they were terrible, but now we’re being asked to celebrate their mediocrity; it’s baffling! 

Almost as baffling as writing 500 words about an X Factor-themed mayonnaise advert… hey, wait a minute. 

Hellmann’s mayonnaise is available in store now.