Talent show 'The X Factor' has been blasted by Kasabian singer Tom Meighan (pictured) who has accused the programme of shamelessly manipulating its contestants.

Speaking to the Daily Record, he raged: "'The X Factor' is like something the Riddler would do in Batman. It sucks out everyone's brains.

"I can't believe how appallingly low we have gone as a nation for people to watch that pile of s---. It's appalling music. It's shocking."

Meighan went on to express his concern at how Jedward and 'Britain's Got Talent''s Susan Boyle have been thrust into the limelight, ill-prepared for fame: "The twins, John and Edward, are poor kids who don't know what is going on. They have lost their heads. These kids have no idea.

"Look at Susan Boyle. It is appalling what they have done to her. She doesn't know, does she, bless her. Poor thing. They are making her into this massive star and it is ridiculous. It will torture her for the rest of her life. She is not ready for it and she is not made for it. She is being manipulated. It's horrible."

He then leveled the greatest criticism at the X Factor's judges, questioning just how qualified they are to cast judgment on others: "Simon Cowell must be laughing. For him, Louis Walsh, Cheryl Cole - -who was once a contestant on 'Popstars: The Rivals' -- and Dannii Minogue, who has had very few pop hits in her life, to sit there and judge people, it's incredible."