ITV has reportedly cancelled plans for a comeback of the singing competition series The X Factor, a decision attributed to concerns over declining viewership and the show's duty of care protocols. While show boss Simon Cowell remains "incredibly keen" for the program to return, sources suggest that "the time is not right" for its revival.
The X Factor, which was instrumental in launching the careers of artists like One Direction, Leona Lewis, and Little Mix, was shelved by ITV in 2018 after 15 series. Two spin-off shows, X Factor: Celebrity and X Factor: The Band, followed.
An insider told The Mirror that the era of such shows attracting tens of millions of viewers is over. Furthermore, the duty of care process would require a significant overhaul, adding to the already substantial cost of producing the series. ITV representatives have been contacted for comment.
Recent discussions involving former contestants such as Lucy Spraggan, Jahmène Douglas, and Myles Stephenson have highlighted past criticisms of the show, with claims of "abuse and bullying." Simon Cowell previously addressed these concerns on The Rest Is Entertainment podcast, stating that the show had always endeavoured to look after its artists.
Rumors of a potential return had surfaced, with insiders suggesting ITV was keen on a revamp to fill a gap in its weekend entertainment schedule, especially after recent shows like The Neighbourhood and The Fortune Hotel received poor reviews. The proposed revival aimed to update the format with a younger, fresher panel and maintain Cowell's involvement behind the scenes, potentially embracing social media integration for a new generation of viewers.