Television singing competition The X Factor is reportedly set to return to screens seven years after it was shelved by ITV. Broadcaster ITV is said to be in talks with production company Talkback Thames about bringing back the music contest in a bid to boost weekend viewing figures.
Head judge Simon Cowell is thought likely to return in some sort of capacity. Broadcaster executives are reportedly keen to revamp the show after new entertainment formats The Neighbourhood and The Fortune Hotel were panned by critics and audiences.
According to an insider reporting to The Sun, ITV is seeking to fill a major gap in its television schedule. "ITV have a giant gaping hole that needs filling in its entertainment schedule, particularly over weekends when bigger viewing figures are up for grabs," the source said.
The insider claimed that the channel needs a proven hit after recent schedule missteps. "ITV can’t afford another disaster after the car crash of The Neighbourhood, which was colossally expensive and failed terribly," the source added. "Rather than creating more flop formats they have the opportunity to give The X Factor, a sure-fire hit, a modern makeover."
Revamped panel and social media focus
Plans for the show involve a modernized format aimed at younger audiences. "They can explore a younger, fresher panel, with new faces and have Cowell behind the scenes," the insider explained. "The plan is for the show’s return to take on a new life and be updated to envelop social media generation."
The Daily Mail has contacted ITV for comment regarding the reported discussions.
The potential revival comes alongside other television projects linked to the franchise. Earlier this year, it was reported that music mogul Simon Cowell had signed up for a new X Factor documentary featuring behind-the-scenes footage. Sky has described the untitled project as a "definitive documentary series exploring the era-defining entertainment juggernaut."
History of the ITV singing competition
The X Factor originally ran for 15 series on ITV before being taken off air. During its peak years, the Saturday night talent contest pulled in up to 19 million viewers. Following the conclusion of the main series, ITV aired two spin-off series, X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band.
The format saw hopeful singers audition at the start of each series in a bid to reach the live shows broadcast on Saturday nights. Contestants who reached the live stages were divided into four distinct categories: the boys, the girls, the over-25s, and the groups.
Each category was assigned a celebrity mentor from the judging panel to guide them through the competition. Over the years, mentors and judges included Simon Cowell, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Cheryl, Dannii Minogue, and Nicole Scherzinger.
Judges and breakout music stars
A rotating lineup of high-profile judges joined Cowell over the course of the show's 15-series run. The panel featured Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams, and Louis Tomlinson.
The talent competition was hosted by several presenters across its run, including Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary, Caroline Flack, and Olly Murs.
The X Factor became a cornerstone of UK television entertainment, launching the careers of several global music acts. Successful contestants who went on to achieve major commercial success after appearing on the show include Olly Murs, Little Mix, One Direction, JLS, Leona Lewis, and James Arthur.
