Matthew Newton quit the show only one week out from its debut. As host, he was integral to the first four episodes, in which contestants are auditioned and their heart-stirring, adversity-beating backstories revealed. Those episodes have been shooting since late June around the country and precede the live studio shows in front of judges Kyle Sandilands, Natalie Imbruglia, Guy Sebastian and Ronan Keating. The episodes are being swiftly re-edited to remove Newton, replacing him with new host Luke Jacobz.

Ten faced a similar problem earlier this year when a contestant was charged with possessing child pornography less than two weeks out from the premiere of a new season of The Biggest Loser. Loser was hastily re-edited, which adversely affected the storylines, and it rated poorly.

The ABC suspended its popular Friday-night panel show Collectors when host Andy Muirhead, was charged with accessing child pornography (the case is yet to be heard).

Audiences, though, seemed less concerned by Muirhead's alleged wrongdoing than they were by the program's absence. They complained loudly to the ABC who returned the show to air one month later minus Muirhead.

There are just as many examples in television land of stars who have messed up, apologised and emerged with even more cred than they had before.

Matthew Newton recorded The X Factor auditions before his publicised meltdown.

The problem in this case for Seven, however, is not just one of program continuity but its image as a wholesome, family-friendly network. A simple mea culpa won't cut it.

The editing and public relations departments will be working overtime to sort out this one.