‘X Factor generation’ must accept failure, says actor

Downton Abbey actor Brendan Coyle has voiced his concern about an “X Factor generation” of people who fail to accept that they do not have what it takes to be a star.

Coyle, 48, who plays valet Bates in the ITV1 series, said he dreamed of following in the footsteps of his great uncle, Matt Busby, by becoming a footballer.

However, the Bafta-nominated actor told the Radio Times: “Luckily, I was told by the age of 13 that I wasn’t good enough, and that’s not a bad thing. You see, this X Factor generation of kids now who don’t accept that they’re not good enough.”

The star said that he was still baffled by his recently acquired sex symbol status.

“The strangest thing is where the fan mail comes from. I’ve had letters from an outpost in Alaska, New Zealand …”, he said. “It’s the breadth of it that really blows my mind.”

Coyle said he would “like to posh up a bit” for roles.

“I’ve never been cast in a Noel Coward play, but I would love to be,” he said.