'Every year we laugh, cry and weather the storms of some real dramas. To say there's never a dull moment is a real understatement!' - Presenter of The X Factor live show, Kate Thornton reveals why her job is so much fun!

Was the talent in the 2006 auditions just as high as last year?
Kate Thornton: Last year's audition tour threw up some seriously talented singers with people like Shayne, Brenda and Andy. On the 2006 audition tour we were hoping to be able to match that level of talent and - having heard some of this year's contenders - I think we've exceeded our own expectations. As we go into the live stages of the show the public are going to be spoilt for choice as to who their favourite will be this year.

Is it hard to keep your emotions in check when you watch the contestants go through the audition process?
Kate Thornton: Absolutely! For some of the auditionees The X Factor will go on to change their lives and they set so much store by their first auditions. As the person assigned to hold their hand throughout the experience you can't help but get swept along in the emotion of it all. I'm not ashamed to say that I've shed a few tears on this tour!

What was your favourite audition city this year?
Kate Thornton: London was a revelation this year and scored on every level. We got great talent, great laughs and lots of tears in the capital. But, for me, Bristol came a close second. We've never auditioned there before and were all on a high after we left because the talent levels were so strong.

How have the judges been behaving this year?
Kate Thornton: As you'd expect, they've had their moments! Louis really came into his own on this tour. We were lucky enough to meet Louis' biggest fan, who has dedicated her life to him and her Louis Walsh fan site!

What is it about The X Factor that makes it such a good show to work on?
Kate Thornton: It's an unmissable event now in the TV calendar, and to be a small part of that never loses its thrill. We spend eight months of the year making the show and every year we laugh, cry and weather the storms of some real dramas. To say there's never a dull moment is a real understatement!

What stage of filming do you prefer, the audition stages or the live shows?
Kate Thornton: I love them both and they both present their own set of challenges. But as we near the final stages of the series, you can't beat the live shows for high drama and big emotion.

What tips and advice would you give to those thinking of auditioning?
Kate Thornton: Go for it! You've got to be in it to win it.

What would you sing if you had to audition in front of the judges?
Kate Thornton: It would be a cold day in hell and I'd have to have flying pigs on backing vocals before that would ever happen!