The X Factor is reportedly poised to return to British television screens seven years after its original run concluded. ITV is said to be in discussions with production company Talkback Thames about resurrecting the singing competition, aiming to increase its viewing figures.
Sources suggest that ITV's Director of Entertainment, Reality & Daytime, Katie Rawcliffe, is eager to bring the show back with a modern update. This move comes as other new programs, "The Neighbourhood" and "The Fortune Hotel," have reportedly failed to gain traction. Insiders indicate that a revitalized X Factor could fill a significant gap in ITV's weekend entertainment schedule.
During its peak, The X Factor attracted up to 19 million viewers and launched the careers of artists like Leona Lewis and the group One Direction. After 15 series, the show was retired by ITV, though it later spawned spin-off series "X Factor: Celebrity" and "X Factor: The Band."
It is anticipated that head judge Simon Cowell may return in some capacity, potentially behind the scenes. The reported plan involves a "younger, fresher panel, with new faces" and an update to incorporate social media trends, aiming to give the show a "new life."
The show, which originally featured contestants divided into categories such as boys, girls, over-25s, and groups, was known for its competitive format leading to live weekend shows. Over the years, it was presented by hosts including Kate Thornton, Dermot O'Leary, Caroline Flack, and Olly Murs. The judging panel included numerous well-known personalities such as Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh, Dannii Minogue, Cheryl, Gary Barlow, Tulisa, Kelly Rowland, Nicole Scherzinger, Mel B, Rita Ora, Ayda Field, Robbie Williams, and Louis Tomlinson.
Past successful contestants who emerged from the series include Olly Murs, Little Mix, One Direction, JLS, Leona Lewis, and James Arthur.
Earlier in the year, reports indicated that Simon Cowell had signed on for a new documentary series about The X Factor, described by Sky as a "definitive documentary series exploring the era-defining entertainment juggernaut."