Smash Hit Kate
Kate Thornton presented The X Factor on ITV1.
Kate used to be the editor of Smash Hits. She presents Hit for Six on VH1 and has presented Top of the Pops as well as Pop Idol Extra.
Kate has also reported on showbiz for This Morning on ITV1.
Kate in series one
Kate presented many of the shows in dresses that looked as thought they might have been fashionable a few decades before.
At times she looked more like a schoolteacher in front of an unruly class of schoolkids than a presenter of one of ITV's most popular shows.
Even Kate admitted afterwards: "I watch the shows back and think 'Stop shouting, stop being so bossy'. It's terrifying because you are exposed, but that's the only way to learn."
And Kate confirmed there was nothing between Simon and her: "I'm not his type and he's not mine. He likes sexy brunettes. I'm just blonde and gobby."
Kate Thornton on The X Factor
Before series one, Kate Thornton said The X Factor would have something different to offer from other talent shows such as Pop Idol and Fame Academy.
"The argument is that all we're promising to do is search for talent. We're dependent on the people that have applied to the show and their talent or levels of talent. I'm certainly not going to stand here and promise anything we can't deliver," Kate said.
"I have to say we have found some incredibly talented people, predominantly over 25. You know, really, really strong vocalists and some great songwriters as well, which wasn't expected."
"We're also auditioning for groups, so we're saying you can come as a duo, a trio, a five-piece, a six-piece, a 15-piece..."
Kate also spoke of her role as host of The X Factor: "I'm rubbish at staying detached. With Pop Idol, I got involved with the contestants. I met all their families and swapped e-mail addrresses. I'm sure I'll end up doing exactly the same on The X Factor."